Dejana was born with Phocomelia syndrome, a rare condition causing severe limb malformations, resulting in significantly shortened arms. Despite this challenge from birth, she never let it define her, choosing instead to live a vibrant and fulfilling life.

At just 30 years old, Dejana has become a celebrated artist, world champion in Para Taekwondo, dedicated fitness coach, and loving mother. Her journey shows that with perseverance, no challenge is insurmountable.

Born on December 9, 1994, in Novi Sad, Serbia, Dejana’s resilience has been evident since childhood. Although born without arms, she has consistently proven that limitations are only in the mind.

During her early years, Dejana often questioned why she was different. But as time passed, she embraced her uniqueness, realizing it didn’t hinder her ability to lead a rich and joyful life. Her personal life is equally fulfilling. She shares a deep bond with her partner, a fitness trainer, and the couple frequently documents their travels and adventures on social media.

At the age of 9, Dejana joined the Society of Mouth and Foot Painters, sparking her lifelong passion for art. She completed her education at the Design Art School in 2014 and further pursued her love for painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Novi Sad. Over the years, she has held solo exhibitions across nearly 20 cities throughout the Balkans.

Widely recognized as the “girl with wings,” Dejana symbolizes courage and perseverance in Serbia. Despite her physical challenges, she has excelled in sports, making history by becoming Serbia’s first world champion in Para Taekwondo at the 2019 World Para Taekwondo Championship in Turkey.

Dejana experienced a major personal milestone in February 2023, when she welcomed her first child. To focus on motherhood, she temporarily stepped away from competition, opting to skip the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Still, she remains active online, using her platform to motivate and inspire her audience.

Though art has always been her passion, Dejana’s drive for sports grew stronger with her goal of participating in the Paralympic Games. Her journey in Para Taekwondo began in 2016, culminating in a gold medal in the K41 women’s -47 kg category. Her achievements highlight her unwavering spirit.

“Everyone faces challenges,” Dejana shared. “But if you believe in yourself and know your worth, you can overcome the negatives and focus on the positives.”

Motherhood has added a new dimension to her life, and while it may affect her athletic career temporarily, Dejana remains optimistic about returning to the sport she loves. She is determined to tackle any hurdles along the way.

Even during her competitive break, Dejana actively engages her followers, sharing motivational stories and valuable life lessons through her Instagram account. Her posts are a beacon of positivity, encouraging everyone to embrace their unique journey.

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Thompson, now 47, survived a life-changing accident almost 30 years ago when he lost both his arms in a farm accident. His story made headlines worldwide, a huge spotlight for an 18-year-old from Hurdsfield, North Dakota.

The media attention eventually faded, but life carried on for Thompson. How has he adapted? Does he still have full use of his arms? What brings him happiness now?

On January 11, 1992, while unloading pig feed, Thompson got too close to a power takeoff (PTO) shaft without a safety guard. “I wasn’t careful with my shirt, and it caught on the PTO. I remember spinning on the shaft,” he shared. He passed out, waking up to his dog licking his face and realizing his arms were gone.

“I was confused, just sitting there figuring out how to stand,” he recalled. Leaning against a tractor tire, he managed to push himself up.

Since no one else was home, he walked 100 yards back to his house. Using his mouth to turn the doorknob, he got inside, dialed the phone with a pencil, and sat in the bathtub to avoid getting blood on his mom’s new carpet. The only pain he felt was when exposed nerves hit something, though he was dizzy from blood loss.

“When I got to the hospital, they told me I had lost almost all my blood and shouldn’t be alive,” Thompson said. He remembers his time in the ER, talking to the staff, worrying about the running tractor, and getting upset when they cut off his new cowboy boots.

At one point, a staff member placed a bag beside him containing his arms, which were later reattached. “As I lay there, my arms were just a couple of feet away,” he recalled.

Thompson was flown to Minneapolis, where his arms would be reattached. It was his first plane ride, and he argued to sit up and see out the window. But he was concerned about how cold his arms felt. A crew member reminded him that they were on ice in the front of the plane.

Looking back, Thompson can laugh about some of these moments, though it was a terrifying time. Dr. Allen Van Beek, a University of North Dakota graduate, performed the reattachment surgery, putting Thompson in a coma for four weeks to heal. Thompson nearly died from a blood infection and had to undergo more surgery and rehabilitation.

After high school, Thompson attended the University of Minnesota briefly but found it wasn’t the right fit. He started traveling for speaking events, donating earnings to United Blood Services, as blood donations saved his life. On the 10th anniversary of the accident, he published a book, “Home in One Piece,” which gained popularity. At one point, he was in talks with actress Victoria Principal to make it into a movie. Now, as the 30th anniversary approaches, he hopes to revisit the screenplay idea and expand the book.

“When I first wrote it, I couldn’t include some things. I want to write a more open version,” he said.

While he’s had rough moments, Thompson has received kindness from strangers who recognize his story. However, he’s also faced people who have tried to take advantage of him.

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