Per my routine, I woke up Saturday morning and poured myself a
large mug of coffee. I settled into my rocker, grabbed my computer and
fired up Facebook. Scrolling through the news feed I saw a fundraising
effort that was started by my friend Erin. While I'm extremely proud
that she is taking this proactive step, I am also saddened that she has
been brought to this decision.
Erin is an
active Mom, wife and full-time employee. She is also an amputee due to a
medical error. Her only mistake was daring to go into labor with her
second child over a weekend. Despite losing her leg, Erin has adjusted
and resumed her life as a vibrant and active woman.
This
past spring I encouraged her to attend the Challenged Athletes running
clinic in her hometown. Although she initially squelched the idea
because running was perhaps the only thing that she hadn't done since
becoming an amputee, she finally decided to give it a try. In a few
short hours, my friend's life was transformed.
She
began going on daily jogs with her children, relishing in the physical
and psychological benefits of returning to an activity which she used to
adore. Unfortunately, her prosthetic issues threatened to cause injury,
and she had to stop. Despite wonderful prosthetic technology, there is
not yet a "one leg fits all activity" prosthesis. Most amputees are fit
with a good walking and light activity device. Running or jogging on a
consistent basis requires a different prosthesis in order to thwart both
injury and component breakdown.
It is an
unfortunate reality that in this country an amputee's ability to run
has less to do with talent, motivation and athletic prowess and more
with their affluence. Most insurance companies consider activity
prosthetics to be luxury items and are not covered under the policy. The
middle class amputee who works full time, is raising a family and pays
taxes often cannot afford the $10,000+ out of pocket price for a
specialized prosthesis.
Literature is full of
research proving that remaining active and fit will help thwart injury
and minimize secondary health issues. Apparently insurance companies deem these findings irrelevant when it comes to the physical fitness
of the amputee population. As things stand right now, an amputee who
has the desire to run and has proven that dedication, is relegated
either to begging for a grant or fundraising through friends on the
internet. Individuals who have never asked society for any type of
financial assistance are forced to ask for help. For too many, this
prospect is simply overwhelming and they settle for a limited lifestyle.
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/leg-up-prosthetic-running-leg
#100happydays Robby winning $1 from our waitress at IHOP, who bet him he couldn't eat his age in pancakes. He proved her wrong!
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