No Excuses, No Limits. That's the bold motto of a determined man, American Denny Chipollini. Throughout many years, Denny has worked hard to overcome various trials and tribulations. He lost his left leg, and his young son Nicholas was diagnosed with an incurable disease. But Chipollini sought to find some meaning in his pain. He founded Generation Hope to inspire and educate other people facing adversity.

It all started more than a decade ago. Chipollini experienced a series of life-altering events, which started with a serious car accident. Doctors reattached his severed legs, but his left leg eventually had to be amputated due to massive injury and infection. Fifteen surgeries could not save the leg.

Two months after the car accident, Denny was still hospitalized and recovering. His wife was wheeled into the same hospital to give birth to their son, Nicholas. Doctors said Denny would never walk again, but he refused to accept that diagnosis. He wanted to walk to spend time with his son.

Four years later, Chipollini took on his first 5k run with the use of a prosthetic leg. But his accomplishment was soon overshadowed by devastating news about his son. Nicholas was diagnosed with an incurable genetic disorder, neurofibromatosis (NF). It causes tumors to grow on the body’s nerve endings. NF also carries with it a number of learning disabilities.

Chipollini searched for meaning in the disappointing news from doctors. "I did a lot of soul-searching to find the positive in what was happening. I realized that I could share my personal story of confronting and overcoming adversity to inspire others, especially children, to overcome whatever adversity they may be struggling with."

Chipollini has been pounding the pavement to help others ever since. "By running marathons, I have found I am able to help raise awareness and funds to find cures not only for NF, but also for other childhood disorders, diseases and disabilities."

Denny’s determination has taken him down some impressive paths. He ran in the Olympic Torchbearer Relay 2002 in Philadelphia. He also ran in the Paralympic Torchbearer Relay in Utah. Chipollini ran marathons in San Diego, Pittsburgh and New York City to help get the word out to children who need help.

Chipollini has clear goals for his non-profit Generation Hope. He wants to inspire and educate children and adults to overcome adversity and to accept diversity with "No excuses and no limits." He uses speaking engagements and the development of educational curricula to accomplish those goals.

Denny sees that students get it. "We are raising awareness of children about the challenges of living with disabilities and chronic illnesses that may affect them, their friends, schoolmates or family members. By helping all kids to understand, accept and celebrate differences in themselves and in others, our programs also aim to help kids make responsible choices on how they treat themselves and others."

Chipollini’s efforts are also helping his son. He recalls, "The past years in school were very difficult for him. His classmates were teasing, bullying and isolating him from activities and friendships because of his differences. I have given talks in Nicholas' school to help his classmates understand his disorder. I challenge them to ask themselves if they would pick on someone who, for example, has a prosthetic limb or some other difference, or would they instead befriend and help that person."

With his classmates' new perspectives, Nicholas is getting better grades and making more friends at school. His father is determined to visit more students to discuss acceptance and compassion with them. He’ll continue his mission with no excuses and no limits.

Denny Chipollini is the Founder of Generation Hope.

Visit www.genhopeusa.org or email him at denny@genhopeusa.org for more information.