As we lean into the Amputee Coalition National Conference 2024, we come together both in person and through the stories and social sharing of the event to “Celebrate Connections”, to not only express joy in being together but to also recognize the importance of gathering and being in community. The mission of the Amputee Coalition is to support, educate, and advocate for people impacted by limb loss and limb difference, fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and equity in all aspects of our work. The connections that we set up with intentionality form the fabric of our delivery of mission every day.
An important partner in our delivery of mission is the Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Through a newly awarded 5-year cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, the Amputee Coalition serves the limb loss and limb difference community being the home for the National Limb Loss Resource Center which includes peer mentoring, youth engagement, a resource center, website and outreach and education with a prime activity being the National Conference each year. We thank the Administration for Community Living for their confidence in implementing the work and for their recognition of the value of connections through their intentional focus on peer mentoring through our Certified Peer Visitor and Peer Support programs along with the many other opportunities to celebrate connections.
This Summer also brings youth and young adult connections through the 2024 Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp to be held the 2nd week of July in Rockport, Texas. Bringing together youth and young adults from across the country, the Amputee Coalition looks to build bridges of understanding, develop new skills, and seed connections that last a lifetime. Gathering as peers living with limb loss and limb difference youth and young adults connect through fun and learning. While the pandemic aided the Amputee Coalition in creating the still new Youth Engagement Program that provides year-long connections we are pleased this year to also bring back the traditional camp offering a fully funded, in person experience that promises both celebration and connections.
Continuing our theme, I want to use this opportunity to offer gratitude and celebration for all our Amputee Coalition volunteers. From our Board of Directors steering and providing stewardship for the organization to our local Atlanta leaders who provided connections, insight, and guidance for the conference to the experts on our Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee and finally the volunteers who help lead our programs and those who every day connect with community members in hospitals, on the phone, and in support groups across the country. The connections you make and the support you give- we celebrate and thank you!
While we set budgets and plan based on a calendar year it very much feels like a new beginning when we come into the Amputee Coalition National Conference, and I would suggest that the Celebrating Connections theme for the event may very well carry us into 2025. From our staff and volunteers to our partners and supporters, the Amputee Coalition has elevated connections with emphasis over the last six months and I promise you more of the same. See you in person at ACNC24 or on the new AC News Flash and thank you for connecting.
Cass Isidro,
Amputee Coalition President and CEO