Press Release: The Amputee Coalition’s National Conference Welcomes over 650 Attendees in the Limb Loss and Limb Difference Community

Aug 10, 2022 |

PALM DESERT, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Amputee Coalition 2022 National Conference comes to Palm Desert at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa welcoming over 650 attendees.

Paralympic Silver Medal Combat Veteran and Amputee, John Register has been appointed Interim President and CEO of the Amputee Coalition. John Register will lead the organization to convene its 2022 National Conference (August 10-13) and Youth Camp, strengthen staff capacity, and deepen relationships with community members and partners.

The Amputee Coalition is the only national nonprofit serving those living with limb loss or limb difference. The Amputee Coalition empowers people affected by limb loss and limb difference to achieve their full potential through support, education, advocacy, and prevention.

Register served six years in the U.S. Army – including operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and in active-duty with the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program – winning nine gold medals in the Armed Services Competition and two World Military Championships. Register had his left leg amputated after a misstep over a hurdle changed his life. Register hyperextended his knee and severed the popliteal artery. He started swimming to aid in his recovery, made the U.S. Paralympic Team in 1996, and later won a silver medal in the long jump—as he set an American record—and sprinted to fifth in the 100 meters and 200 meters at the U.S. Paralympic Games in Sydney.

Register, who was awarded the coveted Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leadership Award for founding the United States Olympic and Paralympic is one of the few disability rights advocates who bridges the gap between, sports, employment, and empowerment for people with disabilities in the World.