Having a below-knee amputation was a choice; really, it was the only choice I had. Born with one leg three inches shorter than the other, and with a smaller foot, I went through many surgeries with no success and osteomyelitis for 30 years.

I am a 37yr old, very active, BKA (below knee amputee). I am MORE than thankful that I have switched to a clinician that looks out for the patient, and not the bottom line of the company.

In 1991 I was in a ski accident and suffered a commuted fracture of my tibia and fibula. They said I would never ski again. The next 21 years I spent the majority of my free time hiking, Telemark skiing kayaking and rock/ice climbing.

I lost my right leg below the knee two years ago and became an amputee. My left ankle was also frozen. Before that, I snowboarded for 20 years.

“Next year’s the year I’m going to be out there running.” I had told myself this annually while watching the New York City Marathon since moving to the city five years ago.

When former policeman Melvin T. Blakely Jr. lost one leg, one foot, some finger tips, and a hand to a bad blood infection, the prospect of ever enjoying a happy family life seemed remote.

I never would have thought that Fred Rogers in his blue sweater behind the screen would be the one, the only one, who taught me that being different is good, and that if you are different or have a disability, be proud of it.

I want to share a bit of an ongoing success story with you. I would like to start out by saying I have been sober six years now. Approximately four years ago I had what I thought was minor bunion surgery on my left foot.

My story begins while being self-employed. I was a computer technician for small offices and home offices. I repaired, maintained and installed new computers and networks for my clients when I was diagnosed with cancer in 2006.

Hi, My name is Alex Otte. My story of amputation is a story of many other things, too, but it is what brought me to the Amputee Coalition.

I am an adaptive athlete from Basingstoke, Hampshire, England and I am currently working toward the Paralympics for discus, javelin and shot put.

Childhood setbacks didn’t slow down career aspirations for public service as deputy sheriff, EMT, Texas Guard, church leader.