We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Francesca Petrolo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Francesca, thanks for joining us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

In that moment, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. I truly believed, “I must have done something special for him — I must be really important to him, too.”

On May 6, 2023, I woke up in a hospital in San Diego, California, after a motorcycle accident. I had already undergone surgery on my femur when the doctors came to tell me, “We have to amputate your left foot.”
I wasn’t fully conscious — still dazed and heavily medicated — unable to think clearly or make any decisions. Yet, the first thing I did when I opened my eyes was to call Jason, my friend, and tell him what had happened.

“Hello, my friend, how are you?” I said weakly.
Fortunately, he answered almost immediately, joking, “Hey, what do you want?!”
He had no idea what was coming.
Then I said, “I’m at the hospital… I was in a motorcycle accident.”
He didn’t need to hear anything more. His tone changed instantly: “Oh my God, I’m sorry for the joke! I’m coming right now.”

That night — and the one after — were the most painful and difficult nights of my life. But Jason was there for both of them, sleeping in a chair beside me, holding my hand while I screamed and cried from the pain. He even told the hospital staff he was my boyfriend, just so he could stay by my side overnight.

Jason is the best friend anyone could ever ask for. I know I can rely on him at any time, and I will never, ever forget what he did for me.

Before the accident, I never truly understood what real friendship meant. I used to think that making genuine friends in San Diego was almost impossible, even after five years of living there.

Now I know better. Jason and I share an unbreakable bond — one that no money can buy and no hardship can destroy. I will be there for him, always, just as he was there for me.
And even though we both know how difficult those days were, we often laugh and make jokes about my accident now. It’s our way of turning pain into strength — a reminder that even in the darkest moments, friendship and love can bring back the light.

Francesca, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Francesca Petrolo, and before my accident, I worked as a boxing coach, personal trainer, and manager at a non-profit organization called “AnyBody Can”. I’ve always been passionate about helping others find their strength — both physically and mentally.
I’m from Rome, Italy, and I’m 39 years old. For more than 23 years, I dedicated my life to sports — first as a kickboxing and boxing athlete. From a very young age, I believed in the power of a strong, healthy body and a disciplined mind. Training was never just about competition for me; it was about learning how to face life’s challenges with courage and focus.

I’ve always wanted to be independent — to rely on myself, to make my own choices, and to feel strong enough to stand on my own, no matter what life brought my way. That drive eventually led me to teach others the same lesson: that true independence and resilience begin with self-care — moving your body, eating well, and keeping your mind clear.

Before moving to the United States, I worked as a trainer in different facilities and also as an entrepreneur. During the Covid pandemic, I opened an e-commerce business selling sports apparel for women. I hold both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, which helped me combine my passion for fitness with a solid understanding of business and leadership.

Then, in May 2023, my life changed completely after a motorcycle accident that led to the amputation of my left leg. That moment could have ended everything I knew — but instead, it became the beginning of a new journey.

Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to traveling the world and inspiring others, especially people with disabilities, to believe that life doesn’t end after trauma — it transforms. I share my story to raise awareness, promote accessibility, and remind others that strength comes from the way we rise after we fall.

I also do modeling, not just as a profession but as a statement — to show that beauty, confidence, and power come in many forms. My work and travels are about representation, empowerment, and inclusion, breaking stereotypes around disability and redefining what it means to live fully.

What sets me apart is my authenticity — I don’t just speak about resilience; I live it every single day. I’m proud of how I’ve turned one of the hardest moments of my life into a mission to motivate others and build a community where everyone feels seen and capable of achieving their dreams.

Above all, I want people to know that I’m not just surviving — I’m thriving, and I want to help others do the same.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

“A pivotal moment in my career was when I fully embraced modeling and digital content creation, turning a long-time passion into a professional path. Starting in a highly competitive industry meant learning quickly, finding my voice, building strong relationships with photographers, teams, and collaborators, and creating content that resonates with audiences.

This experience taught me to be flexible, innovative, and results-driven — qualities I bring to every collaboration. Over time, I’ve grown a loyal following and an engaged community, proving that strategic creativity, consistency, and authenticity lead to meaningful impact.

I use my platform to inspire and connect with audiences, especially people seeking empowerment and inclusion, which creates opportunities for brands and projects that value authenticity and storytelling. I approach each collaboration with professionalism, creativity, and a focus on outcomes — helping partners achieve visibility, engagement, and positive influence.

Ultimately, my journey shows that with adaptability, vision, and commitment, challenges can transform into opportunities, and I bring that same energy, innovation, and reliability to every professional partnership I take on.”

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience, to me, is about turning challenges into opportunities and showing up consistently, no matter the circumstances. After my accident and the amputation of my left leg, I immediately focused on rebuilding my strength, independence, and energy — not just for myself, but also for my network of family, friends, and professional contacts. I wanted to demonstrate that even in difficult situations, determination and adaptability can lead to growth and success.

I’ve applied this mindset to my professional life as a model and content creator, navigating a competitive industry while delivering consistent results. By sharing my journey through YouTube and other platforms, I’ve built an engaged audience, inspired others, and developed a strong personal brand that combines authenticity, creativity, and influence.

I bring this same dedication to every project and collaboration I take on: reliability, a results-oriented mindset, and the ability to adapt quickly to new challenges. Whether it’s a creative campaign, brand partnership, or motivational project, I am committed to delivering impact, inspiring audiences, and creating meaningful connections that drive success for everyone involved.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.francescapt.com
• Instagram: 1amputee.queen
• Facebook: FrancescaPT
• Linkedin: Francesca Petrolo
• Youtube: Amputee Queen Francesca Petrolo

Image Credits

photographers: Davide Cecchini , Alessandro Rabboni and myself

Location + photographer: Rooftop Galata