5 Inspiring Amputee Stories

By Georgia Prosthetics

Losing a limb due to injury or disease can be a dark, depressing time in a person’s life. At Georgia Prosthetics, we see extraordinary people every day who overcome the odds and go on to live a productive, fulfilling life with their new prosthesis.

This got us thinking about some of the most inspiring amputee stories that we’ve ever heard. While we do not want to reveal information about our own patients (and respect their privacy), there are plenty of stories online about how amputees have overcome the odds.

While it can be a difficult issue to deal with, hopefully this article will share with you a little bit of the other side of it. You may not be looking to make headlines yourself, but you can use these stories as inspiration to live your life to the fullest.

A Basketball Player’s New Life

After discovering she was going to lose her limbs due to meningococcal meningitis, Rayna’s first thought was, “How can I live without my hands and feet because I am an athlete?”

Her story is truly inspiring. In fact, she stated, “It may be hard for other people to understand, but being an amputee is a great thing because it has presented me with so many opportunities in my new life.”

The Rock Climber

Rock climbing certainly isn’t for everyone, but according to Ronnie Dickson it’s a very accessible activity for people with disabilities.

After dealing with a significant amount of pain and multiple surgeries as a result of Trevor’s disease (a bone disease), he made the decision to have an amputation in order to live a more fulfilling life and inspire others.

You can read more of Ronnie’s story and his mission below:

http://www.amputee-coalition.org/resources/inspire-aca-campers/#.WS2jLfUrJD8

The 85-Year-Old Woman Who Walked Again…

Eight-five-year old Ruth Casto lost her leg after a horrific fall in 1995. At that age, shattering a hip and losing a leg can be a virtual death sentence, but not for Ruth. With support from her family, friends, and doctors she learned to walk again.

When asked about the situation, Ruth said:

“If an 85-year-old, 108-pound, great-great grandmother can conquer the seemingly unconquerable…so can you!”

Click the link below to read the full story:

http://www.amputee-coalition.org/resources/learning-to-walk-again/#.WS2j-_UrJD8

Beating Cancer, Amputation, and a 9/11 Tragedy

This is a story of triumph and finding a greater purpose in life. In 2001, Carmen Feris went through the wringer in every sense of the word. In a three-month span she lost her leg due to a car accident, was diagnosed with cancer, and lost her husband in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

After going through all of this, it would be very easy to throw in the towel and say that life just isn’t worth living. However, that’s not what Carmen did. If you would like to read more about her incredible story, click the link below:

http://www.amputee-coalition.org/resources/it-takes-all-kinds-of-hero/#.WS2lJfUrJD8

Firefighters Fight for Other Amputees

Oftentimes, firefighters, police officers, and other first responders who just want to get back to work after an amputation have difficulty doing so because of the bureaucratic process and liability issues.

This story chronicles how several firefighters are fighting to ensure that as long as they are capable, they should be allowed to return to the work they love:

http://www.amputee-coalition.org/resources/they-just-want-to-do-their-jobs/#.WS2lp_UrJD8

Will you be the next inspiring story?

While losing a limb is certainly an incredibly challenging experience, it doesn’t have to define your life in a negative manner. All of these people have taken circumstances outside of their control and used those circumstances to be a positive influence to those around them. So if you’re facing an amputation or have already had an amputation, don’t let it get you down. You have a lot of living left to do!

Posted by Georgia Prosthetics
1947 Briarwood Ct NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
Phone: 404-873-3725