By Jewel Connelly, Communications Specialist On Sept. 15, 2018, “something really powerful” happened in the life of Samir Dailey. He lost both legs above the knee when he was struck by a train. Two days before the five-year anniversary of his accident, the 28-year-old...
Devon Wethern
My amputation story I was in a bad wreck in June of 2020 and I had 17 surgeries on my leg to try and save it, but they said the risks were too high, so they let me decide to amputate my leg at 17 years old. The process was not easy at all. Having to wait so long to be...
Rev Alfred Smith
Still Have Joy After a foot infection, it became necessary that my left foot be amputated in June of 2020 at the start of the pandemic. I was pastoring at the time and therapy helped me literally get back on my feet with a below the knee prosthetic leg. Infections...
Jean Mwale Expands Advocacy to Zambia
By Jewel Connelly, Communications Specialist “I never used to use my voice because I just didn’t think anybody would listen. Now I tell people, use your voice.” To see Lead Advocate Jean Mwale in action now for the limb loss and limb difference community, you would...
Lead Advocate Jim Wilkes Harnesses the Power of Self Advocacy
By Jewel Connelly, Communications Specialist Ever since becoming an above knee amputee over five years ago, Jim Wilkes, like many amputees, has had to become his biggest advocate. After nine failed knee surgeries, Jim was faced with the reality of amputation, but he...
Kentucky Man Educates About Safety on the Job
Taking chances with your physical safety, especially when operating dangerous equipment on the job, is a risk Billy Parker warns others never to take. It’s a lesson he’s learned from experience after a life-threatening accident made him a bilateral amputee in 2007....
Young Girl with Limb Difference Gains Confidence Through Horses
Since starting to ride at Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy, 7-year-old Emma Celenza has seen her confidence and strength grow. “I’m strong, brave, and I can do anything,” she said. “Riding horses definitely helped me believe it.” Paired with a grey horse named...
Steven Duncan
Single Dad, Type 1 Diabetic and Recent LBKA. Hi everyone, my name is Steven. I'm a single dad from New Jersey and I am a lbka (left below knee amputee) as of July 26th, 2023. I am 40 years old and a type 1 diabetic that has dealt with foot problems and wound care for...
Inaugural U.S. Women’s National Amputee Soccer Team Heads to Poland
A group of eight women are making history as part of the first-ever U.S. Women’s National Amputee Soccer team. Among them is Katie Bondy, who is also a science teacher from Hilliard, Ohio. Rodney Dunigan reported on the story for FOX28 Columbus. Katie was born with...
Conversation with Certified Peer Visitor Ed Nathan
Ed Nathan has volunteered his time to help others in the limb loss and limb difference community with the Amputee Coalition since he became an amputee 13 years ago. During the 2023 National Conference, Ed was one of the volunteers recognized with the Values in Action...