San Diego resident Alex Montoya is a triple amputee, but he hasn't let that challenge get in the way of achieving his dreams.
He's earned his bachelor's and master's degrees, was on a marathon relay team, worked in the Padres front office, started his own business and he's written three books.
Montoya said he doesn't see any one of those accomplishments as more valuable than the others. He is instead most proud of his "willingness to go after those dreams" and not letting his challenges stop him.
"Along the way as I was going through all these experiences I was still very frustrated about being a triple amputee. I asked myself, 'Why me?'" he said. "Until finally the thought just struck me, 'Why not me?'"
Book Event
When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15
Where: Central Library, 330 Park Blvd. San Diego, ninth floor
What: A short talk will be followed by a book signing
His newest book, "See The Good," is the result of that realization. In the book, Montoya re-examines his life history through the "see the good" message.
"If you change your mindset, you will change your outlook about life completely," Montoya said.
Montoya will give a talk about his book Thursday evening at San Diego's Central Library.
Montoya was KPBS' 2014 Disability Awareness Month Local Hero honoree.
He joined KPBS Midday Thursday to share his story.