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Heather Abbott To Deliver Framingham State Graduation Address

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (AP) — A woman who hasn't let the loss of a leg in the Boston Marathon bombing slow her down has been named the keynote speaker for Framingham State University's undergraduate commencement.

Heather Abbott is also scheduled to receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters during the May 17 ceremony.

Abbott was cheering on runners when she was struck by shrapnel from the second of two bombs that went off near the finish line in April 2013.

Following three surgeries, she made the decision to allow doctors to amputate her left leg below the knee.

The Rhode Island woman is back at work and has resumed the activities she loves, including running and paddle boarding.

University President F. Javier Cevallos says Abbott was selected because she is "an inspiration and model of strength."

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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