Chattanoogan Jordan Thomas Up For CNN Hero Of The Year

     Four and a half years after a tragic boating accident, a local young man is named a CNN Hero.
     We've introduced you to double amputee Jordan Thomas in the past.
     He started a foundation raising more than $400,000 for kids' prosthetics, and now he's being honored for that hard work.
     WDEF News 12's Mandy Odom has his story in a News 12 Update.
     At age 16, Jordan Thomas lost both his legs below the knee in a boating accident.
     But instead of focusing on his loss, he saw kids in greater need than himself.
     Jordan says, "It didn't make sense to me why they didn't have prosthetics, and they explained to me how expensive they are, and I knew that I had to do something. Cause I knew how fortunate I was when I was there in the hospital, and I realized I had to help others." 
     Jordan found out that insurance companies usually only pay for one prosthetic or part of one for a lifetime.
     So while in the hospital, he decided to give back by raising money for kids' prosthetics; which eventually became the Jordan Thomas Foundation.
     Jordan says, "My legs are $24,000... $24,000 and kids need new legs every 18 months because they grow. So, a leg that fits a kid at this time, in 18 months it's not going to fit." 
     His father Victor says, "He just knew, recognized that they didn't have the resources to get the kind of prosthetics that they really need to be functional, happy, healthy adults, and he wanted to do something about that." 
     Jordan's dad Victor says he's an example to all of us.
     But yet he was surprised when Jordan was chosen as a CNN hero and then made the top ten.
     Victor says, "There's not a word to describe how I feel. It's pride to the 5th degree."
     The rally Friday celebrated Jordan's accomplishments.
     He also gets $25,000 and is eligible for $100,000 if he wins the CNN Hero of the Year.
     Jordan says, "It's so much potential for the kids that we help.  You know this, getting all the pats on the backs and all the 'atta boys is nice, but when it equates to money and legs for kids directly. It's so fulfilling, and it's just such an honor and such a  blessing."
     Victor says, "If you do win the most votes your foundation gets $100,000 and that's a lot of arms and legs that we can provide for kids who need those."
     The Thomas' encourage everyone to vote early and often.
     In Chattanooga, Mandy Odom, WDEF News 12.
     To vote for Jordan, click on the link below.

     www.cnn.com/heros
     www.jordanthomasfoundation.org