Photos of Gary provided from Patrice
The Amputee Coalition’s Certified Peer Visitor (CPV) Program has been going strong for almost 34 years since it was created in 1990. The program trains people who have limb loss and limb difference to support their peers who are going through challenges related to their psychological, emotional, and social well-being. We do this because of a belief that no one is potentially in a better position to understand about living life as a person who has an amputation or supporting a person with limb loss and/or limb difference than someone who has been through those experiences themself. An experienced, well-trained peer can offer encouragement and resources from a place, and at a pace that can better relate.
So why be a CPV? Let’s talk to one and find out…
Q&A
How long have you been a CPV?
Rex Buruss: 6 Years
Why did you become a CPV?
Rex Buruss: I was working with Dr. Carole Miller and meeting with Julie Strickland, the founding member of the Amputee Foundation of Greater Atlanta. Julie asked me if I could meet with a fellow amputee to share some resources, which I was very excited to do. During my visit it became very clear that the gentleman was not very interested in talking, I left feeling a bit dejected, but when I walked by his room a few minutes later, I was surprised to find him reading the materials I had dropped off.
While I didn’t know about the Certified Peer Visitor Program, Julie and Carole thought I would be a great peer visitor due to the fact I was a dancer for a number of years as well as a graphic designer. I also had a background in education and training others. Julie picked me because I was comfortable speaking and presenting in front of others and centering compassion, which helps others find progress in their lives.
What has been one of your most memorable experiences?
Rex Buruss: Generally, I have had wonderful experiences because I am meeting people I do not meet in my everyday life. As such I have created deep bonds and some of those have become long-lasting friendships. Peer visits are always incredibly impactful because of the shared bonds we all have of surviving the things we did. However, I have found that the most memorable peer visits are not always the ones that lead to successes for the individual. Losing a limb or limbs is incredibly challenging and, in many ways, it fundamentally changes the course of your life. Highlighting success is wonderful but it is important we acknowledge those who do not make it out of the woods. Knowing that we do the best we can to help people along and give folks hope is what drives me.
What should people who have limb loss or Limb difference know about the program?
Rex Buruss: The program is available and open to all. Many people don’t know the program exists and many more people don’t have anyone to talk to. Many community members do not know where to begin, so finding peers near them makes a world of difference. I have helped those local to the Georgia area find support groups in many places across the US opportunities, but some communities do not have any groups yet. I believe we need to do a better job of communicating to doctors and to hospitals that support services exist and play an important part in the well-being of everyday people. The Coalition exists to help people in numerous ways. CPVs do not direct anyone towards specific devices but to highlight their journey and provide insight and tools into the healthcare process.
How has being a CPV affected you outside of the disability community?
Rex Buruss: It has allowed me to be more compassionate and more attentive in listening to others. When we hear people talk about their issues, it is easy to turn one ear off or let it go out the other. In becoming a CPV, I am meeting with people in some of their darkest moments and it has taught me to really listen to them. So, in my day to day, I now listen to anyone’s challenges, and I push to ensure that they are not comparing their challenges to someone else’s. The worst thing you can do is compare your challenge to others, because in reality, your challenges are equally valid and important in the course of your life.