Utah teen with dual prosthetic legs to represent Shriners in Rose Parade

His mother said that Hunter, who is in 8th grade, has inspired countless individuals, including other patients with a similar situation, as well as friends and family members, including herself.

"If he can overcome things that he has and do what he does, what excuse do we have to not try something new?" Woodhall said.

"It's not easy for him," she said. "He's always had to work at it and work harder than everyone else to be at the same level. He's a great example for other people who don't think they can do something or maybe feel sorry for themselves, whether they're able-bodied or not."

The Tournament of Roses festival, which features flower-covered floats, marching bands, equestrians, and since 1902, the Rose Bowl college football game, will be broadcast Jan. 1, beginning at 9 a.m. MST, on ABC, NBC, the Hallmark Channel, HGTV, KTLA-CW and Univision. For more information, visit www.tournamentofroses.com.

E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com, Twitter: wendyleonards