Chip Hilborn makes his way through his home with a walker in hand and a new prosthetic leg.
"Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it. I choose my 90% on how I get better," he told NewsChannel 3.
Wednesday will mark the six-month anniversary of when Chip was involved in a devastating accident on I-264.
He stopped to help a stranger who was stuck in the median. Then a pick-up truck lost control and hit Chip, tearing off his leg.
"I heard a noise, looked back, saw a truck sliding sideways and next thing I know I'm on the ground holding my leg because my leg had been amputated," he says.
That's when Dennis Underwood, a tow truck driver, pulled over to help Chip. He used his own belt to make a tourniquet for Chip's leg.
NewsChannel 3 asked Chip how thankful he was, and he responded, "There's no words to express it. God got me through this. I've always been very grateful for my life. "
Days after the accident, NewsChannel 3 talked to Dennis.
"Everybody's put on this earth for something, and occasionally I like to think good things come out of it," Dennis said.
Chip was in the hospital for 52 days and had over 20 surgeries, and had dozens of visitors, including his grand kids.
"My granddaughter would climb up in bed with me in the hospital. My grandson was right there with her, and my younger grandson came and actually buried his head in my lap. It`s a special bond and it makes me really happy that I lived."
Now, six months later, the man who Chip credits for saving his life is being nationally recognized.
Dennis is receiving the American Towman medal. It's an award for tow trick drivers who have put their lives at risk to save someone else.
"I've told him thank you but thank you is not enough," he added.
And Chip has said those thank you's in person when Dennis visited him in the hospital.
"I'm just speechless... He'll always have a special part in my heart."
