#WeTHRIVE Stories
These articles are featured in Amputee Coalition’s #WeTHRIVE story campaign to help raise awareness of the resilience, strength, and courage that people living with limb loss and limb difference have to transform their ordinary into extraordinary.
Cameron Hanson
GET BACK ON THE HORSE July 2016, riding along, minding my own business. Just me and my Yamaha Virago 1100. Then, from a driveway on my right lunged a black sedan. I had just enough time for it to register in my mind that this guy was gonna hit me. And he did. I...
Mortisha Bloodworth
My name is Mortisha Bloodworth. I became an Amputee back in 2020. My story begins at the age of 11 when I was diagnosed with type one diabetes. The year before I turned 11 was the year that I lost my mother. I went into a downward spiral of what I now know was...
El Williams
Growing My Confidence When I lost my leg I also lost my self-confidence. But through the amazing opportunities and friends I have made in the Amputee Coalition I have gained it back. I am now proud of who I am and my disability. It makes me who I am and it does not...
Gary Weiland
I was a Firefighter in Texas for seven years when I experienced a series of very unfortunate events. In 2018, my leg was amputated just below my knee. I decided that this tragedy was not going to end my career and passion for fighting fire. Ten months and six days...
Kimberly Emanuel
GRIT: My Recovery Story My name is Dr. Kimberly Emanuel and until January 7, 2021 I was living my best life- or so I thought. I fell ill and it would become the most catastrophic event in my life. You see, I was in severe sepsis shock and my chances of living were...
Kim Steele
6 years ago I became a quadruple amputee, losing my lower legs and my hands because of anaphylactic shock and septic shock. I now celebrate my new life by dressing in my own unique style and showing that we are no different. I embrace my new life by showing others...
David Martin
Hello, my name is David Martin from Lebanon Pa. I have been married for over 27 years and we have 2 daughters and 3 sons. and now have 2 granddaughters and another grandchild on the way! We live on a turkey farm and I also am a partner in a few feed mills. On October...
Rodney Roller
Get in the water!
Kendra Cucino-Dallesandro
New 32 year old below knee amputee. Due to someone else’s lack of carelessness on the road. It’s been quite the year for myself and my family. I’m starting to live this new normal and show people this does not define me.
David Aguilar
This excerpt of a Press Release by Caroline Sun for PIECE BY PIECE - How I Built My Life (No Instructions Required) is reprinted with permission from the authors. David Aguilar was born missing part of one arm, a small detail that seemed to define his life and limit...
Anne Jane Giffin
What an exciting event, day, and miracle! There was a day, way back in my addiction, I said a prayer and said “God, I don’t how or if I even can get sober but, if I do, I want on that boat! I want to be a part of that team. I want a better life!” Today after many...
Fayçal Toumi
My name is Fayçal Toumi and I would like to share my story. I’m 28 years old and I lost my leg when I was 24. I had a tumor on my foot and it could not be healed. For me, I found my strength in dance. Dance helped me move forward in my life. I really love to share my...