The Minot State University Department of Nursing invites the public to “Limitless: Finding Strength when Everything Changes in an Instant” with special guest speaker John Thompson.

The speaking event is on Tuesday, March 24, at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. MSU is offering one free continuing education credit (CEU) to nurses who attend the event. For more information on CEU, contact Kim Tiedman, MSU associate professor of nursing, at 858-4453 or kimberly.tiedman@minotstateu.edu.

“I think hearing about his resilience and perseverance would be really applicable to all MSU students, nurses, and really everyone,” Tiedman said.

Thompson will share his remarkable story of survival through this speaking engagement and his book, “Home In One Piece.” In 1992, an 18-year-old Thompson faced a life-changing accident on his family’s North Dakota farm when a piece of equipment severed both of his arms. After calling 911 by holding a pencil in his mouth, he was airlifted to Minneapolis, where surgeons successfully reattached both arms. His resilience, optimism and unwavering spirit continue to inspire audiences across the country.

“Mr. Thompson will bring a message that one event may change your life, but it doesn’t define you,” Tiedman added. “Just to hear his story of how, at 18, he was able to open the door to his home, use a pencil to dial the phone to get help, all with no arms, is amazing.

“I hope he can inspire people to not focus on what you can’t do as easily as you could before a tragic event, but to move forward and look to what you can do,” she added.

Along with his presentation, Thompson will engage with students, especially in healthcare, and will feature a question and answer session at the conclusion of his talk.