Australian Jason Voncina lost a leg from a rare form of cancer at the young age of seven, but that has not stopped him to live his life to the fullest.

 

He was diagnosed with an Osteosarcoma, which accounts for 35% of primary bone malignancies. The disease is usually associated with adults which made his situation rare.

 

The cancer was found in Voncina’s knee and if nothing was done he could have less than 12 months to live.  His only real choice was to lose his leg avoiding chemotherapy. The cancer never returned.

 

Six weeks after losing his leg, he began playing sports like any other kids his age. He began playing tee-ball and then transitioned into swimming – a sport he picked up quickly. He won national and state titles in able-bodied and disabled swimming competitions. Those accomplishments alone are remarkable, but he did not stop defying odds there. At the age of 13, Voncina joined an American football team.

 

Today the father of two – son Cody and daughter Caitlin, has developed into a dominate force on the football field. He is currently a member of the West Sydney Pirates gridiron club team’s successful defensive squad.

 

Many opponents and spectators may underestimate his ability, but Voncina just uses that as motivation. His children are also his inspiration.

 

In the past, he has even lined up as quarterback when he was on the junior team. Today, his plays defensive tackle – a positive he has thrived in. Last year, the Pirates had the best defensive record in the league.

 

Voncina is an amazing role model for everybody. His actions have shown that nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it and have motivation and hard work.  IFAF would like to honor Jason Voncina and his accomplishments by naming him the IFAF.org Player of the Month.

 

Watch video footage of Voncina playing football.

 

http://today.ninemsn.com.au/videoindex.aspx?videoid=c29334b6-9853-4ecb-9214-ef692b9a83c0