Born in 1983 in Sierra
Vista , Arizona , USA
There were many questions at the time about whether
Jessica would be able to live a “normal” life. However, Jessica’s father has
said he never shed a tear about her birth condition. He had full confidence in
her potential. With the support of her parents and family, Jessica became confident
in herself as an adult and continued to explore the world with her feet.
As a child, Jessica studied dance in her home town.
When the first performance arrived, she asked to be put in the back row. Her
dance teacher told her there was no back row. Tentatively she took the stage
with the other students and performed her routine. When she finished, the
applause from the audience gave her encouragement and the confidence to
continue dancing for 14 years.
Jessica’s parents eventually met a Taekwondo instructor
named Jim Cunningham. His response when told of her birth condition was that
she would be more than physically able and that only her attitude could hold
her back. At the age of 14, Jessica earned her first Black Belt in the
International Taekwondo Federation.
After graduating from high school, Jessica attended
the University of
Arizona
Jessica’s most famous accomplishment was learning how
to fly. It took three states, four airplanes, two flight instructors and a
discouraging year to find the right aircraft: a 1946 415C Ercoupe Airplane. She
received the Guinness World Record for being the first person certified to fly
an airplane with only their feet.
Jessica now works as a motivational speaker. She
travels the world sharing her story and encouraging people to be creative and
innovative with the mantra “Think outside the shoe.”
By Jessica Cox
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