Stories

Adaptive Sports Saved My Life | Letoi Adams’ Journey

Letoi Adams, U.S. Army Veteran, adaptive athlete, Paralyzed Veterans of America, tells their story to Vegas Veteran Voices, a Veteran-led nonprofit in Las Vegas.

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In this story
Letoi Adams, U.S. Army Veteran, adaptive athlete, Paralyzed Veterans of America
Service branch
U.S. Army
Organization
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Published
Running time
32 minutes (32:03)
Production
Filmed by Vegas Veteran Voices, a Veteran-led nonprofit in Las Vegas

“It was because I was afraid that people would see my chair and not me.”

Letoi AdamsHear it at 27:05

About this story

Letoi Adams’ story is one of resilience, grit, and unshakable courage. A U.S. Army Veteran, truck driver, and now Vice President of Paralyzed Veterans of America, Letoi faced stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that left her in a wheelchair. Instead of giving up, she turned her pain into power becoming a competitive adaptive athlete, motivational speaker, and community leader in Las Vegas.

In this episode, Letoi opens up about:
• Hearing the words “you have cancer” and fighting back against the odds
• Her 4 to 5 year battle with depression and the moment adaptive sports gave her purpose again
• Competing in wheelchair basketball, sled hockey, cycling, and more
• Why Veterans need visibility, resources, and community support
• Her mission to coach, inspire, and open doors for the next generation

This is more than a Veteran story it’s a testament to the human spirit. Whether you’re a Veteran, athlete, or someone facing life’s toughest battles, Letoi’s message will remind you: you can rise again.

Follow Letoi:
IG, @thishumblevirgo

The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is a national nonprofit focused on improving quality of life for Veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases through advocacy, healthcare support, and adaptive sports opportunities. More at www.pva.org

Vegas Veteran Voices is a Veteran-run media nonprofit based in Las Vegas, sharing raw and authentic stories of service, resilience, and community to highlight the voices and experiences of Veterans everywhere. Learn more at www.vegasveteranvoices.com

In their words

“It took me about four or five years to get through my depression, learn how to live again in a wheelchair.”

Letoi AdamsHear it at 6:03

“That made me feel good, just letting you know about my pain and how I overcame it.”

Letoi AdamsHear it at 17:44

“I wouldn’t be where I’m at now if someone didn’t put something in my ear.”

Letoi AdamsHear it at 29:29

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