Motorcycle road trips across the United States were a lifelong dream, and now, with children grown up and a new work posting to Texas, it finally seemed within reach for Chris and Denise Arthey. But only a few hours down the road, on an arrow-straight stretch of Highway 35, devastation struck. A drunk driver veered across the carriageway and their Harley-Davidson was involved in a head-on collision. One medic commented after the air ambulances lifted off that “the motorcyclists may not make it”.
The Artheys did “make it”, and then some. Both lost their left leg above the knee, and Chris suffered serious head and internal injuries, but their survival was remarkable.
Even more remarkable is the story of their recovery. As Chris and Denise learned to cope with pain and a new reality, they simply refused to become physically held back, or to be frozen in anger and regret. They have gone on to lead extraordinarily full lives; returning to their vocations and taking another overseas posting to the Middle East before building new roles as ambassadors in the prosthetics industry. Chris has taken on marathons and triathlons, Mount Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp and a master’s degree along the way.
With an honesty that is both raw and vulnerable, the Artheys take us on their unique journey of hope against all odds, explaining how they rebuilt their lives, ‘step by step’, after their accident.
More than a compelling story of survival, Highway 35 is an account of astounding personal strength and fighting spirit, of depth and integrity of relationship and uncompromising faith in the face of the most difficult of challenges.
Nathan Goodearl (verified owner) –
I have met Chris and Denise a couple of times and recently found out about their book via a mutual acquaintance. I was vaguely aware of an accident they had and I am simply astonished at their account. What remarkable people! The book describes the events on that awful day and the aftermath of adjusting to life with horrific injuries. However, the true story is one of forgiveness. I found myself shaking my head in disbelief at how they found the strength and love to forgive. The accident is part of life story but it is not their identity; they have not let it define them. A truly inspiring story that will leave you reflecting on your own life but also living it fuller.
Julie Hazlewood (verified owner) –
This book is one of the most compelling stories I have ever read. Their strength and determination to over come such horrific injuries and their ability to forgive is both humbling and inspiring. In my opinion their story should be compulsory reading for anyone caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs and really should be read by anyone who drives.
Anyone who does not read this is missing out on something special.
Jon Walk (verified owner) –
Just finished “Highway 35: Meeting Disaster Head-On With Hope” from Chris Arthey and his wife, Denise.
The Artheys spent five years with us here in The Woodlands community and were an inspiration to so many people before and after an accident caused by a drunk driver found Chris and Denise both losing their left legs as a result of the impact to the motorcycle they were driving and riding on.
The story winds you through their challenging recovery as well as how they leveraged their faith to make their new paths as rewarding – but in a different way – of the lives that they had richly enjoyed before.
I didn’t meet Chris until Chapter 27 in the book (or maybe some time in Chapter 26), but still remember measuring off a separate Bill Crews Remission Run 5K course for Chris that was all concrete after he had received a new running leg that we didn’t want to see him use in the grass portions of the main course. Or even so he could just simply participate.
I also later had the joy of capping off his first race as a para-triathlete with a high five as the finish line announcer at CB&I in The Woodlands in May 2011.
This will be a detailed, yet inspirational read that you’ll enjoy.
You’ll also find yourself occasionally – if you live in the States and don’t have a lot of British friends – looking up British words to make sure you know what Chris and Denise mean when they write and tell their story.
Sweet, kind and encouraging people.
Even though they’ve been gone from us in The Woodlands, Texas community for almost 10 years now, who they are makes it seem like they left Texas just yesterday.
You’ll be amazed all they overcome after reading Highway 35
Carol Clutton –
WOW! What a story – what a book! I was gripped reading this book – the strength, determination and resiliance of Chris and Denise is just astounding. I am reminded throughout this book of the importance of community, faith, hope, love and forgiveness – easier said than done but the Arthey’s have nailed it!
Mike Stanbrook (verified owner) –
I’ve just finished reading the book. Excellent! Whilst I knew bits of the story Chris and Denise put it across beautifully. I love the naturalness of them involving their faith. The whole thing shines humility, honesty and glory to God.
Sally Webster (verified owner) –
A remarkable testimony (and a compelling narrative) of what our great God does through two souls resolutely surrendered to Him with a ‘nevertheless’ style faith.
Honest, deeply challenging, moving and captivating in its detail of how we can approach and navigate through great adversity. Read it.
Debbie Scheller –
I couldn’t put this book down. Having heard a taster at Emmaus Road church I was eager to buy this book. It was full of hope and perseverance and trusting in God throughout the highs and lows. What a courageous couple. Thank you for sharing your story and I pray it will touch hearts in a special way.
Bonney Bullen (verified owner) –
Highway 35 is a must read for anyone facing challenges in their life. It is a miracle that Chris and Denise Arthey survived the horrific motorcycle accident that took both of their left legs when a drunk driver hit them head-on, but survive they did… and then some!
The Artheys take you on a journey of physical, mental and emotional recovery with an openness and honesty that allows the reader to consider how they too can respond in the face of immense difficulty.
With a combination of personal
determination, an unwavering faith in God, and the love and support of friends, family and the many professionals they met along the way, they have gone on to show that such a disaster can be overcome.
Their story has encouraged me greatly during my own struggle with mobility issues following a serious leg injury. It took me through the ups and downs of the daily challenges the Artheys faced and the raw reality of the emotions that are lived through. Their example of strength and resilience, rooted in faith and love, has inspired me as I grapple with my own challenges.
It has caused me to look at how I can cope better in my personal situation, and has spurred me on to greater things.
Written in such a way that it allowed me to access all the physical technicalities and thought processes the Arthey’s experienced, Highway 35 took me on the journey with them, to a place of self examination. When I consider what they have been able to achieve in the face of such adversity, I am more determined to push on and use their example as motivation to be an overcomer myself.
Thank you Chris and Denise for putting your amazing story on record and allowing me to learn from your experience.
Paul McCormick –
Highway 35 is an inspiring and gripping account of restoration against astonishing odds. Chris and Denise both suffered horrendous injuries in a motor bike accident and this story of recovery, in both body and spirit, is inspirational, despite each of them losing a leg. Their unwavering faith in Christ throughout and the prayer support of their local church and family was a major factor in their recovery. What followed was their dogged determination (and especially for Chris) not to allow a physical disability to be an obstacle to achieving challenging endurance tests. Yet in the face of such adversity and destruction they found the compassion to forgive the person who caused the accident.
Danny Marsh (verified owner) –
A powerful inspirational page turning true life story.
A great book to give to non Christian friends
Joelle Tamraz –
Chris and Denise Arthey were leading normal lives on the day they headed out for an iconic motorcycle ride on Highway 35 in Texas. Motorcycles had been a lifelong passion for Chris, and Denise was happy to join in the ride, reliving happy memories of their student years. With all three of their children out of the home, it was the perfect time to embark on an adventure.
Until it wasn’t.
Thus starts the harrowing and inspirational account of their nearly fatal accident and extensive recovery period. Every aspect of the couple’s life was turned upside down on Highway 35, yet together, and through the support of their friends and family, they found the strength not only to survive but to thrive.
Theirs is a candid, clearly written account that offers insight, feeling, hope, and faith. The reflection sections interspersed between the chapters are particularly meaningful. I highly recommend this beautiful book and will return to it in the future.