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Nick Vujicic

Nick Vujicic, famous for his inspirational speeches, was born without limbs in his body. However, instead of letting his disability deter his everyday life, he took it as a challenge, using it to change millions of lives with the same faith that kept him going. As a child of ten, he always wondered why he was different from others, and decided to drown himself since he saw no purpose to his living. However, he stopped himself in time, thinking of his loving parents and how much it would hurt them to see him dead. From then on, there was no looking back for this young man, who now has founded his own organization, called ‘Life Without Limbs’. He has released motivational films, like 'Life's Greater Purpose' and 'Biography of a Determined Man of Faith'. He has also written a book titled 'Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life'. This speaker has even acted in a short film, ‘The Butterfly Circus’, earning the film three awards, and bagging one himself, for his brilliant portrayal of a man very much like himself, who is given a second chance to love himself. He is a devout Christian, believing that God loves everyone equally, and has taken it upon himself to spread the message to everyone around the world. Childhood & Early Life Nicholas James Vujicic the eldest son of Dushka and Boris was born in Melbourne, Australia, on December 4, 1982. The infant, though healthy in all other aspects, was born with autosomal recessive tetra-amelia, a rare condition where the child has no limbs at all, except feet with just two toes. Initially, it was quite difficult for the child and his family to cope up with the troubles that accompany the absence of hands and legs. He wasn't even allowed to study in a normal school, even though there was nothing wrong with his IQ. He gradually learnt to use his feet to write, type, play, and shave. He pursued his secondary education from the 'Runcorn State High School', Queensland, Australia, where he was also the head boy. He was also on the student council that carried out humanitarian work. Career When Nick, as he is known, turned seventeen, he started delivering speeches in his church group. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Commerce, specializing in financial planning and accountancy, from the 'Griffith University' in Queensland. As a speaker, he mainly addresses school children, young adults, and working professionals. He has also spoken at various churches, all across the globe, because he believes that Christ loves him as He loves all his children. In his career, Nick has travelled to more than sixty countries around the world, and has touched the lives of millions of people. In 2005, he established an NGO named 'Life Without Limbs', which has its headquarters in Agoura Hills, California. In the same year, Vujicic released the DVD of a documentary movie, titled 'Life's Greater Purpose'. The film talks about the motivational speaker's childhood, how he learned to use whatever was there of his limbs, and his married life. In March 2008, Nick appeared in the '20/20' television series aired in the United States, for an interview, taken by presenter Bob Cummings. In 2009, Vujicic featured in a short film titled 'The Butterfly Circus', directed by Joshua Weigel. It also starred Mexican actor, Eduardo Verástegui, and American Doug Jones. The movie won a lot of accolades, including the first prize awarded by the 'Doorpost Film Project', and the 'Best Short Film' at the 'Method Fest Independent Film Festival', as well as the 'The Feel Good Film Festival'. In 2010, Nick wrote a book, 'Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life', under the banner of publishing company, 'Random House'. He also released a DVD titled 'Biography of a Determined Man of Faith'. Vujicic gave a heart-rending speech in Switzerland, at the 'World Economic Forum', for their Annual Meeting's special session, 'Inspired for a Lifetime', in 2011. Major Works Nick is an evangelist who is known for his organization, ‘Life Without Limbs’, that hosts events and presents talks on courage and faith in God to overcome any adversity faced in life. Awards & Achievements In 1990, Vujicic's determination and courage impressed the world, and he was felicitated with the 'Australian Young Citizen Award'. He was one of the contenders for the 'Young Australian of the Year Award' in the year 2005. In 2010, he won the 'Best Actor in Short Film' award at the 'Method Fest Independent Film Festival' for his performance in the role of Will, from the movie 'The Butterfly Circus'. Personal Life & Legacy In 2012, Vujicic got married to the love of his life, Kanae Miyahara, and the couple have been blessed with a son, Kiyoshi James.