2015-Nov-19

Faster, Higher, Stronger: Meet Mauricio Amaya

Mauricio Amaya · Specialist · U.S.




Photo of Mauricio Amaya
Mauricio’s gratitude for life and infectious positive attitude remains unwavering, even after overcoming a life-changing medical issue.

It seems unfathomable that a simple case of frostbite could become a life-changing event. But that is exactly what happened to Mauricio Amaya during a skiing trip in 2004. A frostbitten toe suddenly became a much more serious issue, when a doctor discovered blood clots that prevented the flow of blood to his foot. Four surgeries later, it became necessary to amputate Mauricio’s left leg. In an instant, the active and healthy individual faced a future very different from what he had ever imagined.

"At first, it was a definite struggle," Mauricio recalls. "After about 40 days in the hospital and four surgeries, there was no other solution but to remove the leg. After my surgery and a couple of weeks in rehabilitation, I made up my mind that I was not going to let this stop me. In order to recover, I had to be positive. I had to embrace this challenge and the opportunity to heal, and be a productive individual in my personal and professional life."

Not to be deterred, Mauricio was back at Cisco just three weeks after his surgery. He was determined to live his life as normally as possible. A Customer Contact Manager and Financial Service Specialist at Cisco Capital Operations in Reno, Nevada, Mauricio credits the company with providing invaluable support at such a traumatic time. Never worried about his job status, Mauricio truly saw Our People Deal in action during his recovery.

"I always knew Cisco had my back," he says. "I could count on this company."

Photo of Mauricio Amaya and his wife, Rajshi Sidher
At her husband’s side throughout the entire ordeal, Rajshi Sidher saw an unwavering perseverance not unlike that of an Olympic athlete.

Rajshi Sidher, Mauricio's wife and fellow Cisco employee, was the one who nominated him as a Cisco Olympian. She feels that this recognition validates his quiet commitment to always strive to be "Faster, Higher and Stronger."

"The takeaway for anybody is that positivity is pretty powerful," Mauricio says. "I can't do a lot of things, but I find other ways to do athletics and I never give up. I just keep going and I'll always keep going."

Both professionally at Cisco and in his personal life, Mauricio refuses to let his disability get in the way of doing the things he enjoys. He swims daily and can be frequently found at the gym, where he serves as an inspiration for others. 

"I've always lived by example," Mauricio says. "I made up my mind that I was going to move on with my life as if nothing happened. I'd wear shorts and people would see me for who I am. To be recognized [as a Cisco Olympian] out of so many people, it's a great feeling."

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