Dead 13 Times

A True Story of Perseverance and Hope

In 1986, Cam Tribolet was on his way home from a night of drinking when, at a Ft. Wayne, Indiana, stoplight, three men tried to carjack him. During the assault, Cam was shot three times in the stomach. One bullet ripped through his aorta, another lodged near his back, and the third tore through his bowels, spewing infection throughout his body. Cam’s family was informed that he probably wouldn’t survive the night. But he did.

In the days and weeks that followed, both of Cam’s legs would be amputated above the knee. He would endure thirty-six operations and require resuscitation thirteen times. His fiancee would break up with him in the hospital. He would become addicted to drugs to deal with the pain. And he would face the loss of his career. He would even contemplate suicide. But God was not done with Cam Tribolet.

During his remarkable recovery, Cam befriended and eventually married his physical therapist, Sue, who was instrumental in helping him to find God and begin living again. Since then, his disability has not slowed him down. Cam became an engineer, a father, a downhill skier, and more. Born out of tragedy, Cam’s life is fuller and more rewarding than he ever imagined it could be. His story of redemption, perseverance, and hope is for anyone who needs to discover that our God is a God of amazing second chances.