Wait What?

I believe there is a need for Peer-to-Peer Mentoring/Support within the amputee community. I also believe there are far too few amputees out and about, living life without pain with a properly fitting prosthetic. We can work on that. More importantly I want every amputee, who wishes, to have someone who’s been there. Someone willing and able; help them navigate their new life. I am reaching out and attempting to develop partnerships, starting with relationships with hospitals, trauma centers, prosthetists, and other field professionals so that we may be available as soon as an amputee is ready for an “outsider” to step in, advocate and provide guidance to the best of our ability.

Yes, your body has changed forever.
Everything you once did, with relative ease, will require extra effort to accomplish.
Every physical decision will require extra steps to accommodate for your missing body part(s).
Grieve through your loss.
Shore up for the challenges ahead.
Choose to have your best possible life.
We are here to navigate that journey together!

Personally, I value efficiency. I spend a significant amount of time trying to work through, in my head, the best way to accomplish something. I have a talent for being able to noodle through a pretty realistic “vision” of the best way to get from point A to point B.

Especially since my amputation. I envision the goal or task and evaluate what I need in order to meet the goal. And sometimes that involves another person. It’s not always easy for me to ask for help. (We need to focus some specific time in the group on how to ask for help and not feel like we’re helpless, hopeless, needy or have lost our sense of self or dignity.)

For instance…Bathing is extremely difficult for me. Being in a wet slippery place with only 1 leg causes intense anxiety for me. Bob has installed lots of grab bars, I have a shower chair and plenty of room to maneuver, and still, I can’t brush away a vision of me with my head bashed open, brains visible and bloody on the shower stall floor. So, prior to taking a shower/bath, I ensure everything I need is in place. Immediately after my amputation, I created a checklist of what I needed to have close at hand. From tools, soap, etc. to towels, robes, turban wrap, legs, liners, lotion, antiperspirant. Because once the leg is off, hopping across the bathroom to get a razor to shave my leg takes serious negotiation.

When my leg was amputated I was very fortunate. My health insurance covered occupational therapists, physical therapists, eventually on-site physical therapy, and wound care. I also had a loving family who helped me navigate my/our new world. When it was time, I received the very best care possible with regard to walking with a prosthetic.

I want to create a team, using practical applications to ensure all amputees, to the best of our ability, are able to access the services they need to resume a life of purpose and hope. Subsequently, I have reached a point where I want to share my experience, strength, hope, and sense of humor with fellow amputees so that they can have an improved quality of life.

Most importantly I want to give amputees an opportunity to share their experiences and give them a sense of purpose, guiding me, and others through their own “best practices”.

My superpower is my ability to see the joy and absurdity of living life, missing a leg. I want to help others feel empowered through a positive attitude and a good giggle. Simultaneously, I want to exercise my empathy, with the understanding of someone who has experienced many of the same challenges; someone who understands the almost endless frustration of trying to navigate life as an amputee, while never forgetting, “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” (Steel Magnolias) Everyone has something to bring to the party, let us celebrate what we can and minimize, as best we can, the loss we endure every day.

Our Vision

To provide the help and support that an amputee needs once they lose a limb.

Our Story

We are amputees, doctors, and prosthetic specialists who have come together to for one common goal. That is helping fellow amputees navigate a brave new world without their limbs.

our mission

To provide peer-to-peer support for amputees. To work with orthopedics and help potential amputees make the right decisions. To be that bridge from patients to doctors.

Our Foundation

We are a combination of doctors, amputees, and volunteers that have a heart for men and women who are dealing with losing limbs. We work within the limitations and provide answers and opportunities.