In 2011, Jose Luis Sanchez was a Marine sergeant serving in Afghanistan when disaster struck. He stepped on an IED and lost his left leg and 90 percent of his right calf in the blast. He became depressed about his condition and closed himself off to the world.

Before the accident he had always prided himself on his fitness and he didn’t want people to see him weak. He says he became an introvert and just wanted to work out and become the person he used to be.

It took him four years, but Sanchez focused on getting himself back into peak physical shape. He says he used exercise to cover up his wounds. Finally, he realized he also needed the support of other people and began opening himself back up.

He started posting photos and videos of his workouts on social media and the response of support was overwhelming and positive. On April 18, 2016, Sanchez decided he wanted to lead by example and ran the Boston Marathon.

“I hope that some people see what I’ve done and it invokes that fire within them to get over whatever is holding them back,” said Sanchez. This week he visited Diego, a boy born without his right leg and just two fingers on his right hand.

Despite his physical challenges, Diego wants to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a soldier in the Army. Sanchez visited Diego and showed him that he should never let his disabilities hold him back.

Check out the video below of Diego and Sanchez as they work out together and Diego gets some positive encouragement from his hero. Be sure to share this inspiring video with your family and friends.