Amputee Rock Climber Sees God on the Mountain; Talks Hosting 'Fight to Survive,' Recovering From Near Death Experience
A rock climber who lost his leg and nearly died after falling 100 feet is sharing his story of faith, strength and courage on Outdoor Channel's "Fight to Survive" this week.
Craig DeMartino, a professing Christian and host of the new show "Fight to Survive," was left with a long list of injuries and chronic pain following his near-fatal fall, which ultimately resulted in the decision to amputate his right leg below the knee. Despite months of agony, the professional photographer was able to heal his mind and body, and not only restored his quality of life, but returned to rock climbing as well.
"Really, my wife and family inspired me to climb again," DeMartino explained to The Christian Post. "She is a climber, and when I was in the hospital she said if you want to climb again I understand, it is your decision. She gave me the confidence."
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The mountaineer went on to become the first amputee to free climb the nearly 3,200-foot face of Yosemite's El Capitan in a single day, and he is now a motivational speaker and celebrated paraclimber. Even today, DeMartino and his wife Cyndy of 18 years still rock climb together with their two children. The climber was able to overcome the fear of getting back into the harness through his faith, citing the outdoors as a source of great inspiration.
"Climbing and my faith are two very big components of my life, both are my lifestyle, and I integrate them into every piece of life," DeMartino said. "They work together really well. And climbing gives you a greater appreciation for being outside. Outdoors, there are not a lot of people, and so many people don't get to see it. People ask me all the time, and really want to know, if I feel closer to God outside more than while in church. I really like our church, so I feel a very great connection to God when I'm there, but I do have a connection to God when I'm outside because I see God in almost anything. I look at things, I just think, 'How do people not see this?' Not that I would say outside takes the place of church, I don't think that, but I do see God so very often when I'm outside."
While "Fight to Survive" premieres this weekend, DeMartino promises that the television series does more than just entertain audiences. The show's host said a message of hope and the courage to move on emanates from the inspirational stories that are featured in the coming episodes.
"A lot of times, whatever the situation people are in, they feel like it is the rest of their life, that the pain, depression, and hard decisions are forever, and that's it," DeMartino told CP. "God can be silent, they can't hear Him, but they have to understand it's not the rest of your life, it's a small season. Seasons change, winter can be miserable, spring is rebirth and renew, then summer. Life is like that, too. For me, I went through a really tough season that lasted years, but when I came out the other side I had amazing growth, and was thankful for it. God moves in ways I never knew He could. Actually, I knew He could, but did not think he would in my life. It is temporary, moving through it is empowering. Just be able to hunker down and it's going to get better, it's a perspective for the rest of your life."
Watch the first episode of "Fight to Survive" featuring DeMartino's story on the Outdoor Channel on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 1:30 p.m. ET.
