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IT HAS BEEN SAID LIFE IS 10% WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU & 90% HOW YOU REACT TO IT
Jared Estes’ life is a testament to this theory.
As newlyweds at age 25, Jared, his wife Paige, and two friends were driving home from a hockey game when they were struck by a drunk driver going over 120 mph. The horrific moment changed the course of their lives in ways nobody would have dreamed. Jared barely escaped death as he suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns on over half of his body. He endured more than 50 surgeries, doctors delivered devastating diagnoses, including a lifetime of pain and loss of functionality. Even worse, his bride of only six months was killed in the crash.
JARED SANK INTO A DEEP DEPRESSION
He wanted a way out of the misery, but still had people who very much cared & would do anything to see him get well again. Eventually he gained a new perspective and purpose, realized the importance of gratitude and forgiveness, and made a decision to live.
He realized that if he was going to get through this dark season, he would have to do more than defy his circumstances - he would have to actively FIRE BACK at his circumstances with every ounce of his being.
He was determined to recover beyond the doctors’ diagnoses. His character was molded as he forged an optimistic attitude throughout a grueling cycle of surgeries and occupational therapy.
Jared’s endurance paid off - His incredible journey ignited a new purpose and life mission. By sharing his story around the country, he has connected with others over a common thread of despair & the amazing power of human resilience.
Jared conveys the message that trials and the need for perseverance are not unique to him alone, rather they are part of being human & opportunities to be refined.
When life tries to engulf us in flames of despair - we must do more than get back up - We must FIRE BACK!
 Photoshoot with Jeff Vespa |  Photo shoot with Jeff Vespa |  Photo shoot with Jeff Vespa |
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 Fun at camp with young burn survivors! |  Fun with young burn survivors! |  Jared getting dunked on by a young burn survivor! |
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 Jared and airman. |  |  A soldier (SPC Schafer) stationed at Fort Drum, New York shows off his new tattoo, the words “Fire Back” tattooed across his forearms. In his message he said he did it "to always remind myself and those around me to never stop fighting the good fight. Someday I want my children to ask me what that means and I will tell them about you and everything you have accomplished and tell them that no matter what never stop and never give up." |
 |  Jared shared his story as part of the series at NewSpring Church in Wichita, KS! |  Jared does a 12 mile ruck march with soldiers at Fort Riley |
 Jared speaks to soldiers in a hanger |  Jared completed the ruck march with the soldiers in 2:52 - 8 minutes under the required time allowance! |  Jared tells his story as part of a unique Veteran's Day Event at the Greensburg Kiowa County Media Center |
 Picture of Jared used in the 2013 Wichita Eagle news article. (photo by Travis Heying) |  Jared is back in the burn center with his incredible removable ear! |  Jared's prosthetic ear (image used in the Wichita Eagle). |
 Jared goes on the air at 97.1 BOB FM with Cathy Carrier! |  Jared speaks to captivated soldiers at Fort Riley. |  Jared speaks to his hometown's high school students in Bucklin, KS. |
 Jared gets to talk to the soldiers after speaking at Fort Riley in 2011. |  Jared speaks to Burlington High after a mock disaster car accident. |  Jared gives the speech at the Prairie Fire Marathon pre-race pasta dinner - 2013. |
 Jared with Yates High School students after giving a speech. |  Jared receives a check from Job Corp. to go to the Paige Estes Memorial Foundation to thank him for his impactful speech! |  Jared and Brad Streeter on the air with 100.5 the Wolf! |
 Playing with big-boy toys at Fort Riley post-speech. |  Jared speaks at Job Corp Graduation. |  Jared with several men after speaking at Job Corp. in Manhattan. |
 Jared with a group of girls after speaking at Wabaunsee High School. |  Jared speaks at Norwich High School in 2013. |  Jared's friends staying in the Via Christi Burn Center to support Jared after suffering from life-threatening 2nd & 3rd degree burns |
 Friends at the Benefit Concert - to support Paige, Jared and their families |  Lead singer of King Me and friend of Jared and Paige singing at the Benefit Concert to help pay for Jared's medical bills. |  Pictures at Paige Estes' funeral |
 Jared with friend Luke before the accident |  Jared at the basketball game homecoming night |  Jared on Homecoming evening |
 Paige announced the Homecoming winners |