Stronger Every Step: Jessica Turns Challenge into Purpose
As a mother of three and a disability advocate, staying active and independent has always been central to Jessica Medina’s life. After a sarcoma diagnosis in 2025 led to a below-the-knee amputation, she embraced her recovery with resilience and sought out adaptive sports to aid in her recovery. Now, nearly one year later, Jessica is focused on building strength, improving mobility, and gaining confidence with her prosthesis while empowering others through her work and sharing the importance of mental health awareness.
Jessica’s Passion for Helping People
Born and raised in San Diego, Jessica has always been driven to support others. As a Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS) counselor at San Diego City College, she has built her career around helping students with disabilities find their voice and succeed.
Her professional background and deep understanding of resilience played a key role in how she approached her diagnosis and recovery.
“I believe my education and experience gave me the strength to accept the diagnosis, the courage to move forward with amputation, and the perseverance to keep living life fully,” Jessica shared.
Facing a Life-Changing Cancer Diagnosis
In 2025, Jessica noticed a painless lump on her foot that was initially thought to be a cyst. After it was removed and biopsied, she received a cancer diagnosis. Following extensive consultations and nine second opinions, the recommendation was consistent: a below-the-knee amputation.
Determined to stay proactive and protect her mental well-being, Jessica immediately sought support for herself and her family. She drew on her background in rehabilitation counseling while connecting with trusted resources, such as the Amputee Coalition and Hanger Clinic.
Building a Care Team
Through her network and former academic advisor, Jessica was immediately connected with a Hanger Clinic amputee peer mentor who provided support. She then met with her care team at the La Mesa Hanger Clinic, where she works closely with experienced prosthetists Jonathan Skerritt, CPO and Melissa Albite, CPO, who bring a relatable perspective.
From the beginning, Jessica involved her family, helping her three children understand what a prosthesis is, what to expect, and who would be supporting her.
“I felt at ease right away,” she said. “They took the time to answer my questions, reassure me, and make sure I felt supported every step of the way.”
Life After Amputation
The waiting often felt long and uncertain, but with guidance from her care team and a positive outlook, Jessica navigated through every stage, from surgery to recovery.
Trusting her prosthesis was a gradual process as she learned what it should feel like and how to walk properly. She progressed step by step, moving from a walker to crutches, and by the third week was walking independently.
Jessica always loved spending time outdoors, whether at the beach, parks, or community events around San Diego. She focused on rebuilding her strength and pushing her limits through adaptive activities, even completing a 5K early in her recovery while still on crutches.
“Right now, I’m focused on building strength, improving mobility, and gaining confidence with my prosthesis so I can stay active and independent,” said Jessica. “I want to keep challenging myself through adaptive sports and fitness opportunities, set new physical milestones, and continue growing both mentally and physically.”
Regular trips to the park with her kids, navigating mulch, rocks, and sand, are becoming her testing ground for confidence and skill. Recently, she received her running blade and is looking forward to training and building stamina to run longer distances.
This journey is about discovering new limits, redefining what’s possible, and proving to myself that I can still live an active, full life.
Jessica Medina
The Power of Community and Mental Health Awareness
Driven by resilience, community support, and her professional perspective, she continues setting new goals, like hiking again, while encouraging others to seek connection and resources throughout their own journeys.
As a counselor, Jessica knows firsthand that mental health is inseparable from physical recovery. She credits both her professional background and her willingness to lean on her community as essential to her journey. “Mental health awareness helps people understand they’re not alone,” she shares. “By encouraging open conversations and support, we can reduce stigma and build stronger, healthier communities.”
For Jessica, that meant not isolating herself, connecting with peer support through the Amputee Coalition, staying engaged with her clinical team, and continuing to show up for her family. She’s modeling resilience for her kids and advocating for others facing similar challenges, exactly what she does as a DSPS counselor.
Setting New Goals
Today, nearly one year after her amputation, Jessica is living an active life and preparing to hike Cowles Mountain, the highest point within San Diego’s city limits, to celebrate all she’s accomplished.
“This journey isn’t easy, and some days will feel heavier than others, but you will find your way. Growth takes time. Healing takes patience. And every step forward, no matter how small, counts.”
Make Mental Health Part of Your Prosthetic Journey
Mental health awareness is about recognizing how life changes, such as limb loss, can affect not just your body but also your emotions, confidence, and sense of self. As you adjust to a prosthesis or orthotic device, it’s normal to experience a range of feelings, and taking care of your mental well-being is just as important as your physical recovery. Seeking support, staying connected, and giving yourself grace along the way can make a meaningful difference in your progress. Jessica’s journey and experience as a counselor are a reminder that you’re not alone and that, with the right support, you can move forward with strength, resilience, and hope.
Request a Free Evaluation
If you or someone you love are looking for personalized orthotic or prosthetic care, get in touch with a board-certified orthotist/prosthetist at a Hanger Clinic near you.
Jessica Medina is a mom of three, Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS) counselor, and San Diego native. After a sarcoma diagnosis and below-the-knee amputation in 2025, she turned to her community and adaptive sports to reclaim her active life. Today, nearly one year after her amputation, she is focused on building strength, improving mobility, and gaining confidence with her prosthesis to remain active and independent—while empowering others through her work and sharing the importance of mental health awareness.
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