Adrianne Haslet

Adrianne Haslet is a professional ballroom dancer and Boston Marathon bombing survivor who lost her left leg below the knee during the attack. At the height of her dance career, Haslet adapted to a new way of life, navigating daily challenges as an amputee. Her story has been featured in a CNN documentary, on the covers of People and Sports Illustrated, and in appearances on CBS and The View, among other media outlets. Haslet shares her experiences to encourage others facing adversity.

Haslet has delivered keynote speeches internationally, including commencement addresses at Baylor College of Medicine and presentations in Kenya, Ecuador, Nepal, Ireland, and across Canada. She has spoken alongside public figures such as President Joe Biden, President Bill Clinton, and the President of Nepal. Her TED Talk has received millions of views. Haslet has been recognized by Cosmopolitan as one of the Most Powerful Women and by Bing as one of the most Inspirational Women. The Anti-Defamation League honored her at the Kennedy Center for her advocacy against terrorism, anti-Semitism, and hate.

Haslet's journey as an amputee is chronicled in the documentary "The Survivor Diaries," produced with Anderson Cooper. She is an advocate for disability rights, speaking out against Medicare restrictions for people with disabilities and leading efforts to overturn the "one leg a lifetime" law in New York and to oppose Medicare's proposal to decline prosthetic coverage.

Haslet has also become a distance runner, participating in multiple Boston Marathons and earning a fourth-place finish in her division. She won the B.A.A. 10K two months after her marathon appearance. Haslet is involved in the production of an IMAX film documenting her experiences. Her statement, "I refuse to be called a victim. A victim is defined by something that happened in their life. I am a survivor, defined by how I live my life," reflects her approach to overcoming challenges and supporting others in the disability and amputee communities.