Jay Scher once lived an active life full of adventure and hard work. He was an entrepreneur and an Ironman triathlete, always pushing himself to do more. But in 2019, everything changed. What started as a simple flu turned into a life-threatening infection, leading to sepsis and septic shocks.

“Doctors had no choice but to amputate all my limbs for my survival,” said Jay, who was delivering a talk on his life at the Brain and Performance Centre in JLT on Friday.

Instead of giving up for losing his limbs, Jay found the strength to keep going. He carries out his daily life using prosthetic arms and legs, adapting seamlessly to everyday tasks. With his determination and a positive mindset, Jay continues to work, travel, and stay active despite the challenges.

Jay’s journey started years before his illness in college when he met with a terrible car accident and lost his spleen. At the time, he didn’t know how important the spleen was for his immune system. Years later, without it, his body couldn’t fight off infections.

Jay before illness. Photo: Supplied

“I fell ill in 2019, the infection spread quickly. I spent an entire year in the hospital and had to have my hands and legs removed to survive,” said Jay, who wasn’t alone. His twin brother was by his side the whole time.

To stop further damage, his brother donated vital cells, which allowed Jay’s body to heal without taking immune-suppressing drugs. His brother even offered to donate one of his arms, but Jay refused.

Even after losing his limbs, he refused to give up. He discovered hyperbaric oxygen therapy which helped speed up his recovery. As he is in Dubai now, he will be undertaking the therapy at the centre.

“After using hyperbaric oxygen therapy, I feel like I can live a normal life again,” Jay said.

The therapy, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a special chamber, helped his body heal. It encouraged the growth of new skin, blood vessels, and tissues. Slowly, Jay began to regain his strength and confidence.

Throughout everything, Jay’s brother stayed by his side. They had always been close, but this experience made their bond even stronger. “He was always there for me,” Jay said. “He wants to give me his arm, but I won’t take it. He tells me, ‘I have two, and you have none- take one.’”

Before his illness, Jay lived a busy life. He opened restaurants in Chicago, started a chocolate production company, and worked with startups. Even after losing his limbs, he continued working and finding ways to contribute to the world.

Jay's business has expanded globally, with a good presence in Dubai. His premium line of chocolates is available in major supermarkets across the city.

But his biggest lesson wasn’t about business - it was about the love and support of the people around him.

Jay Scher. Photo: Supplied

One of Jay’s favorite things to do was take long motorcycle trips with his friends. Before he got sick, they had planned a 6,500-mile trip from Seattle to the Arctic Circle and back. When he lost his limbs, his friends still wanted him to come.

To make it possible, his friend Johnny attached a sidecar to his motorcycle. At first, Jay wasn’t sure if he could do it. But he went on the journey, and it changed everything.

Jay with his friend. Photo: Supplied

“That trip showed me that I could still do things,” Jay said. “When someone finishes a challenge, they feel proud. But the truth is, it’s the people around you who push you to keep going.”

Now, at 50, Jay sees his life as a gift. He credits his survival to his faith, his family, and his amazing friends.

“I don’t take all the credit for getting this far,” he said. “I believe I was given a gift - the ability to stay positive, to be useful, and to help others.”

Jay is now planning to launch his own prosthetic limbs business to help others facing similar challenges. Drawing from his personal experience, he wants to create high-quality, affordable prosthetics that offer comfort and mobility.