Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
30 People With Illnesses And Disabilities Overshining Their Hardships With Humor
Having a serious illness or a disability is life-changing and challenging. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t live life to the fullest.
People from all over the world are inspiring others with their optimism and great sense of humor by posting photos of themselves enjoying life even when it gives them lemons. Instead of wallowing in sadness, they decided to make metaphorical lemonade. With a comedic twist.
Bored Panda collected some of the most inspiring, funny, and optimistic pics of people overcoming challenges and being high on life. It just goes to show that humankind is amazing and that we can get up after any setback. So scroll down, upvote your fave pics, and share this list with anyone whom you think could benefit from some motivation.
When you’re done looking through this post, check out Bored Panda’s article about Paralympian Josh Sundquist who lost his leg to cancer but dresses up in epic and hilarious costumes every Halloween.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Cancer Survivor Takes Life With A Little Humor
Carol Emory 5 years ago
I loved the picture I found of a guy running in a marathon. The back of his shirt read "Over 40, Overweight. Diabetic. Ahead of you."
RELATED:
#2
7-Year-Old Does Not Let Alopecia Stop Her From Celebrating Her School's "Crazy Hair Day"
Jacey Lynn 5 years ago
I agree! She’s beautiful with or without hair! Keep fighting!
Load More Replies...
#3
My Mom Is In Her 8th Week Of Chemo. This Is Her Halloween Costume
Gwynne Greene 5 years ago
All she needs now is a fluffy white cat lol! Wish her all the best XD
From Lego peg-legs and imitating Vincent van Gogh to hilarious T-shirts and funny poses with prosthetics, it seems like these people are getting more joy out of life than the average person. It’s not wrong to think so.
The BBC writes that there’s such a thing as the ‘disability paradox’ where people with disabilities often report having a quality of life that’s the same (or sometimes better) than non-disabled people. In fact, it seems that disabilities don’t seem to make much of a difference when rating life satisfaction. While lacking one of your major senses like sight or hearing doesn’t stop you from flourishing.
Having a good sense of humor and a sunny outlook has a positive effect on patients' recovery after surgery or after a temporary setback like breaking an arm or a leg.
#4
My Wife Dressed Up As Lara Croft For Halloween. She’s An Amputee, So She Improvised
#5
There's Always Some Truth In Every Joke
Cynthia Sterling 5 years ago
I'm disabled, l have good days & not so good. I love when people smile that are disabled, makes me smile !!
#6
Most Long-Sleeves Are Longer Than My Arms Due To A Disability, So I Wore An Appropriate Sweater
I’m Foxxy and I know it 😉 5 years ago
I need to know where you got it from for my bestie. She is always joking about her “T-Rex” arms.
juice 5 years ago
https://www.aafnation.com/products/t-rex-tries-to-wear-a-christmas-sweater hope this helps!
Load More Replies...
MagicalUnicorn 5 years ago
t-rex is the best dino, although sometimes misunderstood. great sweater!
The benefits of optimism and humor in daily life have been well-documented. But how much do they affect people with illnesses and disabilities?
According to one study, optimism plays an important role in helping individuals with disabilities cope with their situations and achieve their goals. What’s more, it helps them, as well as their caregivers, improve their overall well-being.
#7
His New GF
#8
Going Back To Work Next Week. Trying To Convince My Colleagues I Had A Beach Holiday
#9
Saw This Customer Today With The Coolest Christmas Decorations Ever
Meanwhile, another study that looked at people suffering from Parkinson’s Disease noted that (what they call) dispositional optimism improves the quality of life, reduces emotional distress, and even reduces the severity of the disease.
While a third study showed that people who adapt to having disabilities tend to enjoy a higher quality of life than those who don’t.
#10
My Brother's Halloween Costume This Year
#11
Built Myself A LEGO Leg While I Wait For My Real One To Be Built
MissPrideGirl 5 years ago
Wow, I never thought Lego could be used to make a leg. This makes me happy.😁
Elizabeth Schuyler 5 years ago
It's actually some pretty sturdy stuff. I've seen many a prosthetic made of it.
Load More Replies...
#12
The Best Thing For A Broken Arm
Ninja Kitty 5 years ago
PLEASE DON'T SNAP please don't snap ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ sɴᴀᴘᵖˡᵉᵃˢᵉ ᵈᵒⁿ'ᵗ ˢⁿᵃᵖ
Carson Lujan 5 years ago
“With all six stones I can simply snap my fingers and it'll all cease to exist. I call that, mercy.“
Grace Marraffa 5 years ago
Look at that detail good job to the artist that did that for him... you made his day a whole lot better
#13
Just Beat Testicular Cancer, So From Now On These Will Be My Pens Of Choice For Nursing School
HoffLensMetalHedLovesAnimalsUK 5 years ago
Good stuff man, my mate has 1 ball and we call him 'Uni', he even calls himself it now, we love him so much.
Bobert Robertson 5 years ago
We have a friend in the same boat, and he nicknamed himself One Nut Wally
Load More Replies...
pusheen buttercup 5 years ago
When I was reading a book on greek mythology as a teen, I had to look up the word "castrated"- I still felt zeus was a cool god regardless. :) I don't believe our parts and bits are the only source of what makes us, "us".
Marlene Ricker 5 years ago
I feel a bit bad for laughing so hard but you really do have a great sense of humour!
#14
My Wife Was In An Accident About 2 Months Ago Resulting In A Severe Brain Injury. We Thought We'd Make The Most Of The Situation. Zoinks!
#15
Was At The VA Hospital Today, When I Ran Into This Guy And His Shirt
MissPrideGirl 5 years ago
He looks like he wants me to do it. Now I want to learn how to do a frontflip.
Human #1,232,867 5 years ago
I'm always wondering how such design Tee make their way up to the right customer. Well done sire, hope people will stop staring.
#16
Met Another Bionic And Decided To Swap Limbs
Demi Zwaan 5 years ago
Wow, both very beautiful prostheses! I love the intricate artwork on the arm and I've always liked the look of the blades for legs.Why would you want a 'real' looking leg prosthesis when you can look like this? And it works better, too.
Prince Maroochy 5 years ago
Wow, her arm (prosthetic of course ;) ) is beautiful! And his leg looks super cool, too!
#17
Friend Had Ear Surgery And Decided To Make The Best Of It
#18
My Aunt's, A Recovering Cancer Patient's, Hair Has Started Growing Back And Today She Posted This Picture Captioned "Twins!"
#19
Lost The Leg A Couple Months Ago, But He's Kept His Sense Of Humor The Whole Time
#20
Photo Taken Outside Children's Hospital In Los Angeles. Smart Kid
I’m Foxxy and I know it 😉 5 years ago (edited)
If I remember rightly it worked and the child ended up with a ridiculous amount of pizzas.
Maíz De España 5 years ago
I actually know her, she started a movement to get kids in the hospital pizza. unfortunately she died of cancer last year
I’m Foxxy and I know it 😉 5 years ago
awww no, how very sad. RIP to her and sympathies to her family. So heartbreaking.
Load More Replies...
Ronnie Beaton 5 years ago (edited)
My medic friend Nick used to work in the Perth Royal Infirmary here in Scotland, and he told me a story of what the local firefighters did one Christmas to cheer up the kids who'd be in hospital over the festive season. They hired some superhero costumes from the local fancy dress shop - Batman, Spider-Man and so on, plus a Puff the Magic Dragon outfit - set up their line rescue equipment on the hospital roof, and rappelled down the side of the building to the floor where the children's ward was located. They waved at the kids, and inside, Santa Claus dished out presents. Everything was going fine, until the firefighters realised they were short of a dragon. Puff had somehow managed to get himself stuck on the level *above* the children's ward - which just happened to be the "drying out" ward for alcoholics. Some poor soul is in the throes of delirium tremens, and they look out the window and see Puff the Magic Dragon waving at them.
Amanda Ammermann 5 years ago
I looked this up hoping for a happy ending..... dont look this up (she got pizza but i went looking for an update on her)
Dennis Stanley 5 years ago
https://www.today.com/money/reddit-users-spot-message-hospital-window-send-2-year-old-6C10642466
#21
My Uncle Broke His Leg Today. He Said It Didn't Even Hurt
M O'Connell 5 years ago
Well, the part that broke (the socket) is basically a cast anyway... So yes, a cast would fix this :)
Load More Replies... 
#22
My Friend Was Diagnosed With Parkinson’s. He Thought It Would Be Funny To Send This As His Christmas Letter. His Wife, Horrified, Added The Sticker
Kaisu 5 years ago
I love the little "Ha Ha :-)" in the corner, glad to see he has good humour and a not overly serious approach to his illness
Bob Beltcher 5 years ago
My father in law has had PD for over 20 years. Thanks to his deep brain surgery he has been able to keep his speech and movement. He's not 100% and he's 67 so it's not like he runs races. He still like to fish and garden. Keep care if yourself and you can live a long active life even with PD.
#23
I’m Having My Orchiectomy Today For Testicular Cancer. Here’s My 100% Accurate Representation Of The X-Rays
Clavelle 5 years ago
I'm glad he has a sense of humor about it, but I can't help feeling sad about it. I hope he's ok.🤞🙏❤
Kathy Baylis 5 years ago
Just talk to Bert Cooper of Sterling-Cooper Advertising Agency, if you want to know all about orchiectomies. But be careful, he’s been kissed off about his since WWI. (Sorry, obscure Mad Men reference.)
#24
My Co-Worker Is An Amputee. This Was Her Costume
Iggy 5 years ago
You know what I'm going to be singing for the rest of the day!
Load More Replies...
#25
Turned My Wheelchair Into The Iron Throne For Halloween
#26
My Son Is An Amputee And Sent Me These Gems. I Needed To Share Them With The World
Isabella Fagan 5 years ago
I think that’s just the end of his leg that was amputated
Load More Replies... #27
Felt Cute, Bout To Get $125K Injected Into Me For My Disease, Might Delete Later IDK
I’m Foxxy and I know it 😉 5 years ago
That’s quite sad and disgusting the cost of the medicine.
Carol Emory 5 years ago
But the politicians let the pharmaceutical companies get away with it and, on top of it, give them money for Research and Development. There's no reason for them to charge this much. There should be a law that says Pharma companies cannot be publicly traded on the stock exchange and that they are required to be non-profit.
Load More Replies...
Dorothy Parker 5 years ago
Very cute. Handsome face, good hair. If that injection improves or sustains your health it's wodth every penny.
M O'Connell 5 years ago
The drug in question is Nusinersen, used to treat spinal muscular atrophy.
Iva Kazalova 5 years ago
This is despicable! How can this happen in one of the richest countries in the world is completely beyond me! 🤬🤬🤬
Freya the Wanderer 5 years ago
I have learned from more than one reliable source that up to 600,000 people in the US declare bankruptcy every year due to medical bills - and 75% of these people had health insurance.
Thundercuss 5 years ago
The worst part is that you cannot discharge medical bills (or student loans) in bankruptcy.
Load More Replies... #28
My Dad Just Got His Chest Port For Chemotherapy Today. Here He Is Testing It Out
Vinniegret 5 years ago
Wish I had thought of that when I had mine! Mine would have been Jameson's though.
#29
When You Got No Legs, Seize The Opportunity
Lynn Morello 5 years ago
WOW, at least now you will never wear out another pair of boots, i hope that they gave you as good service as you gave them, But how do you say, Thankyou for your sacrifice, this should never have happened in the first place. Keep your sense of humour.
#30
I'm Having My Left Leg Amputated Today. I Wore This Shirt And Wrote This On My Leg For The Surgeons
Prince Maroochy 5 years ago
It's his shirt, I guess he took it off for this? But it is great XD
Load More Replies...
L McN 5 years ago
I know that in some hospitals the doctors/nurses are required to mark both limbs, one saying just that (NOT THIS LEG/ARM) and the other stating Correct (or something like that) while the patient is awake so that they can confirm ahead of time. This is to prevent mistakes....and makes sense really. Easy and cheap way to ensure that you don't make an expensive and very damaging mistake.
Amiella Berendt 5 years ago
I have a T-shirt from SnorgTees that has a cat holding a bone and it says "I found this humerus". Took my brother (who, might I add, is in his late teens) ages to figure it out XD
Celtic Pirate Queen 5 years ago
I had a hip replacement 11 years ago. After thinking about it, I was really glad the surgeon signed my left butt cheek.
#31
My Grandpa Lost His Foot And Came Out Wearing A Pirate Hat
#32
My Friend Lost His Leg In A Motorcycle Accident A Few Years Ago. This Was His April Fools Joke To The Kids Playing In The Park
#33
One Of My Best Friends, And Former Patients, Has A Great Attitude
#34
A Friend Of Mine Lost Both Of His Legs To Diabetes, But Not His Sense Of Humour
#35
Just Had My Leg Amputated. It’s Whatever, I Didn’t Want It Anyway
#36
The Last Adventures Of Joe's Left Foot
My brother opted to get a below-the-knee amputation two weeks ago. So he started taking pictures of how we could do the surgery ourselves, then got a permanent/non-permanent tattoo to help out the med-students, and finally, goofed off at the hospital afterwards. He is my inspiration.
Demi Zwaan 5 years ago (edited)
Why did he opt for an amputation? It looks fine, so what is wrong with it? Edit: Ah. Google is my friend. He "has a rare bone and joint disease that causes tumours in his ankle."
Dave P 5 years ago
probably a medical condition that amputation is the most effective treatment option, possibly tumor
Load More Replies...
Turtleturleturtle 5 years ago
He looks like one of my teachers... but my teacher has two legs.
#37
My SO Uses Different Themes For Her Chemo Sessions. This Time, It's Bananas So She's Handing Out Frozen Chocolate-Covered Bananas Saying, "This Whole Thing Is Bananas!"
#38
If You Can't Change The Situation You're In, Try To Find Some Humor In It
Pixie Dusted1 5 years ago
You should definitely start wearing a blue flannel, mad dawgz and throw some gang signs! I myself have a reconstructed collar bone with a cadaver bone replacing mine, a metal plate and four screws holding it in place. I'll use my right arm 😉 if you could use your left for me! I'll even wear the customary chola make-up for good posture!
#39
After My Amputations, My Dressings Made My Finger Nubs Look Like Little Cactuses
#40
The Only Fun Things About Chemo- Dressing Up As Capt. Picard!
Final score:
44points
Dorothy Parker 5 years ago
Engage-ing.) You look beautiful. And a baby doll! With..the Green Giant or Peter Pan? I wish you a full recovery.
#41
My Boyfriend’s Uncle Is Having Knee Surgery Tomorrow. I Don’t Think He Trusts The Surgeon
It was keyhole surgery with a scope and all went wonderfully. He even did a little hop the other day that he was very proud of.
The surgeon laughed and laughed and laughed. His day was made by this.
#42
Had Leg Surgery Number 15 And The Surgeon Didn't Get The Shirt
#43
My Old Navy Buddy Is Having His Leg Amputated Next Month. This Is His New Tattoo
K Lane 5 years ago
Not all diseases are visible. None of our business what's wrong with them anyway.
Load More Replies...
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Carol Emory 5 years ago
Saw a picture of a guy in a wheelchair from Polio. He had a sticker on the back of the chair saying "This is what happens when you don't vaccinate." Hats off to the dude!
Belle_Pandamonium 5 years ago
That is awesome, talking the real thing, right there!!
Load More Replies... Hello it Smee 5 years ago
Life can be hard, but having a sense of humor make it a bit easier. These folks rock.
Dorothy Parker 5 years ago
Courageous and wildly funny sums them up. You want to be friends with them. I hope they win their battles or best their challenges.
GFSTaylor 5 years ago
I have MS and have problems with fatigue, so I often use a wheelchair when I'm on a full day out. I definitely needed it for a day exploring Alnwick Castle and garden while on holiday with friends, who took it in turns to push me. This is Krissy, pushing me over one of the bridges in the treetop walk. She had to tilt the chair back, as the smaller front wheels caught on the narrow planks, and had to get up some speed to get up the curve from the centre of the bridge to the far end. I did offer to walk, as it wasn't far, but she was having too much fun with the challange ! wheelie-wh...4f331e.jpg 
Spikey Bunny 5 years ago
Beautiful smile! You both look like you're having the time of your lives!
Load More Replies... Yettichild 5 years ago
I find it seriously ironic that Bored Panda decided to cut off this list after 30 pictures.
Mel-so-bored 5 years ago
https://www.boredpanda.com/many-of-you-have-asked-to-stop-cutting-posts-so-we-fixed-it/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic
Load More Replies...
Darcey Young 5 years ago
I love these . As a wheelchair user and chemo survivor I know that you develop a dark sense of humour to get you through. You've got to learn to laugh it off when people stare or ask inappropriate questions or shout abuse or act as if you can't understand what they are saying. I wear an armour of bright red lipstick and use humour a*s my shield.
Colin Leetham 5 years ago
I had a friend who was so proud of learing to moonwalk with his prosthetic leg... he was so excited about it!
Colleen Coughlin 5 years ago
Things like this are such a wake up call. I love the positive attitudes....we can all learn a thing or two about this
John Louis 5 years ago
While I admire their humor please know that handicapped people still face hardship and discrimination in the job market. Please hire or help get a job for a handicapped individual.
Carol Emory 5 years ago
Saw a picture of a guy in a wheelchair from Polio. He had a sticker on the back of the chair saying "This is what happens when you don't vaccinate." Hats off to the dude!
Belle_Pandamonium 5 years ago
That is awesome, talking the real thing, right there!!
Load More Replies... Hello it Smee 5 years ago
Life can be hard, but having a sense of humor make it a bit easier. These folks rock.
Dorothy Parker 5 years ago
Courageous and wildly funny sums them up. You want to be friends with them. I hope they win their battles or best their challenges.
GFSTaylor 5 years ago
I have MS and have problems with fatigue, so I often use a wheelchair when I'm on a full day out. I definitely needed it for a day exploring Alnwick Castle and garden while on holiday with friends, who took it in turns to push me. This is Krissy, pushing me over one of the bridges in the treetop walk. She had to tilt the chair back, as the smaller front wheels caught on the narrow planks, and had to get up some speed to get up the curve from the centre of the bridge to the far end. I did offer to walk, as it wasn't far, but she was having too much fun with the challange ! wheelie-wh...4f331e.jpg
Spikey Bunny 5 years ago
Beautiful smile! You both look like you're having the time of your lives!
Load More Replies... Yettichild 5 years ago
I find it seriously ironic that Bored Panda decided to cut off this list after 30 pictures.
Mel-so-bored 5 years ago
https://www.boredpanda.com/many-of-you-have-asked-to-stop-cutting-posts-so-we-fixed-it/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic
Load More Replies... Darcey Young 5 years ago
I love these . As a wheelchair user and chemo survivor I know that you develop a dark sense of humour to get you through. You've got to learn to laugh it off when people stare or ask inappropriate questions or shout abuse or act as if you can't understand what they are saying. I wear an armour of bright red lipstick and use humour a*s my shield.
Colin Leetham 5 years ago
I had a friend who was so proud of learing to moonwalk with his prosthetic leg... he was so excited about it!
Colleen Coughlin 5 years ago
Things like this are such a wake up call. I love the positive attitudes....we can all learn a thing or two about this
John Louis 5 years ago
While I admire their humor please know that handicapped people still face hardship and discrimination in the job market. Please hire or help get a job for a handicapped individual.
You May Like "Don't Test Me, I'm Already Broken": 30 Hilarious Memes From This Online Group For Programmers “I Asked Him Whether He Was Tired Of Living”: 61 People Who Surprised Others With Their Lack Of Common Sense 45 People Share The Funniest Pics They Have With Their Siblings, Prove It’s A Blessing And A Curse To Have Them
Rugilė Žemaitytė
Donata Ruzgaitė
Taura Šitkauskaitė
Related on Bored Panda
