One act of kindness: How Brandon’s life changed forever

In this episode of Movao LIVE, I talk with Brandon Todd, a fitness enthusiast, social media influencer, and genuinely wonderful soul. If you follow him on Instagram, @_thebrandontodd, you know that our conversation was full of resilience, inspiration, and laughter. What really stood out was his warmth and kindness—qualities that played a significant role when he faced a life-changing accident resulting in the loss of his leg.

"Without warning, I felt my body thrown about 40 yards. When the car finally stopped, my leg was trapped under my motorcycle, and the car was on top of it. It was like a human-vehicle sandwich. As soon as I noticed I was still breathing, I didn't panic. I was just thankful to be alive." — Brandon Todd.

Continue reading the interview with Brandon Todd, or check out the full, unedited video on YouTube for even more heartfelt moments!

The accident: It began as just another day. While riding home on his motorcycle, Brandon spotted another motorcyclist stranded in the HOV lane. He could have easily driven past, but understanding the chemistry shared by the motorcycling community, he decided to stop and offer help. Just seconds after pulling into the HOV lane, an out-of-control vehicle appeared and smashed into him from behind. The impact threw Brandon into the air and pinned him beneath his motorcycle while the car landed on top of it. In that terrifying moment, Brandon's first thought was one of gratitude—he was still breathing and thankful to be alive.

Hospital and amputation: Brandon explains how doctors did everything possible to save his leg, but unfortunately, it was damaged beyond repair. After an initial amputation below the knee, he faced the harsh reality that another surgery was required due to an infection, leading to an above-the-knee amputation. He recalls, "I was shocked for a very brief moment. I wasn't sad; it was more like, WOW, I'm literally about to have a limb taken away—not replaced—taken away. I realized I was losing my leg, not my life. So, I'm good!" To lighten the mood in the room, he jokingly asked the doctor if he could keep the leg they were about to remove. With all seriousness, the doctor replied, "No."

Rehabilitation and recovery: Brandon shares heartwarming stories about his enormous family and how their supportive presence made all the difference during his hospital stay. He received so many visitors that the hospital staff had to remind his family to limit visitations so he could catch some much-needed rest. At one point, he recalls, "I was on lots of different pain medication, and all I could hear were voices—like a party around me—and the lights were flickering. At that moment, I thought, 'Where am I? Am I in a club?' Having my family around during this challenging time helped me stay positive in my recovery."

After his hospital stay, Brandon moved to a rehabilitation centre for inpatient therapy, where he faced new challenges of learning how to live his new life as an amputee. He describes the moment when the gravity of his situation hit him: "During my first gym session, surrounded by others facing their own struggles, the reality hit me. After I finished, I just lay on the mat. I didn't cry, but tears started flowing down my cheeks. I was grateful to be alive, but I reflected on all the small things we take for granted—getting dressed, bathing, going to the restroom. Life was so different now."

"I never really thought, 'Why me?' The simple reasoning is that I don't think things happen to you; they happen for you." — Brandon Todd

Learning to walk using a prosthesis: When the day arrived for Brandon to try on his prosthesis for the first time, he couldn't help but share a funny story. "I was on crutches heading to the fitting, and as I got out of the car, I lost my balance and fell, stubbing my big toe on a rock. I thought, what luck! Later today, I'm trying on my first prosthesis. Good luck with that! Congrats, Brandon. Welcome to the community!". We shared a good laugh, recognizing that he loves challenging himself even more.

Reflecting on his experience of learning to walk again, he shares personal experiences: "When I tried on my first prosthetic, it felt so strange and unreal. Of course, it's not a real leg, but taking those first steps felt so weird. It's similar to a baby learning to walk—stumbling everywhere. That's the best way I can describe it. Learning to walk with a prosthesis is all about trust—trusting that it will support you—and that takes time. It's a process. I mean, it's a journey!"

Adaptive exercise and sports: Brandon grew up in a family that loved sports and adventure. After undergoing amputation, he was determined to maintain his active lifestyle. Although the loss of a leg, his spirit and passion for fitness and sports remained unchanged. Embracing his identity as an amputee, he actively pursued the activities he had always loved, such as working out at the gym, running, hiking, and cycling. His goal is to inspire others and show them that this can still be done, that you can adapt and enjoy physical activity even after an amputation.

When offering advice to fellow amputees, Brandon emphasizes the importance of patience and self-compassion. He advises, "Take baby steps. Don't compare yourself to others; you can't expect to do what someone who's been at it for ten years can do! The most important thing is to start moving. Your energy will begin to flow, whether you start in a wheelchair, using light weights, or basic movements. Just begin and build from there."

He emphasizes the importance of customizing exercises that work for you: "Everyone will adapt and exercise in their own way. For instance, I can't squat as low as someone with both legs when I do squats. However, I remind myself that just because my technique is different, it doesn't mean I'm not doing it correctly for myself. Find your own adaptations, and you'll be exactly where you need to be when the time is right."

Bringing humour to amputation: If you aren't already following Brandon on social media, you definitely should! His page is full of fun and positivity. Becoming an amputee comes with many challenges, but Brandon emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and embracing yourself and your unique abilities—whatever journey you are on. I asked him about a viral post where he went shopping in a supermarket without wearing his prosthesis. I couldn't wear my prosthesis, but I still needed to get things done,"

Brandon shared. "Have you ever tried shopping with crutches while pushing a shopping trolley and grabbing items? It's a nightmare! So, I just went without my prosthesis and hopped around the supermarket." This trip inspired him to document the experience, leading to hundreds of thousands globally showing love for the post. Brandon enjoys highlighting the lighter side of living as an amputee and inspires others, no matter their differences, to live exactly how they want. Along with his empowering content about fitness and exercise, this fun side is thoroughly enjoyable, too.

As the interview came to an end, I asked Brandon if he could turn back the clock and change his life journey—specifically, the decision to stop and help that motorcyclist in the HOV lane that day, which ultimately led to him becoming an amputee. Would he change it if he could?

Brandon replies, "I wouldn't change a single thing. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Wherever we are in life, that's exactly where we're supposed to be at that moment. We're never behind. We're never ahead. We're just exactly where we're meant to be."

Thank you, Brandon! You truly are remarkable and an absolute joy to speak with. Keep inspiring us all to embrace life and live it to the fullest! To connect with Brandon, follow him on Instagram (here).