Celebrating Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month
April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month (LLLDAM)—a time to celebrate resilience, share experiences, and raise awareness for the 5.6 million people across the U.S. who have limb loss or limb difference.1 This month, we recognize the challenges, triumphs, and unique experiences of individuals who are a part of this community.
Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month
This year the Amputee Coalition is celebrating 40 years of supporting the limb loss and limb difference community. There are approximately 500,000 new cases of limb loss and limb difference annually, with approximately 35,000 children being born with congenital limb difference.1 For many people living with limb loss or limb difference, the journey to rediscovering what’s possible is not always easy. The good news is that being fit with a prosthesis or orthosis may help ease some of these challenges.
Research shows that prosthetic care positively impacts quality of life, mobility, and satisfaction and can lead to a reduction in overall direct healthcare costs (up to nearly $100,000 if a prosthesis is received 0-3 months post-amputation).2,3 There are a variety of custom prosthetic and orthotic solutions available through Hanger Clinic to help people with all levels of limb loss and limb difference achieve their goals and improve their outcomes.
Raising Awareness Through Encouragement
Many people may not fully understand limb loss and limb difference or the obstacles that may be encountered, from physical adaptations to emotional well-being. To share some insight with those who may be new to living with limb loss and limb difference, we asked a few people the following question:
“If you could travel back in time, what advice or encouragement would you give to your younger self if you were facing limb loss or limb difference?”
Maja shared, “There is a sense of loss that occurs when you first experience limb loss or lose the ability to function as you once did. Sometimes, you may feel broken or incomplete. This is not the case. You are transforming and becoming something more. Your journey will help shape you into a stronger version of yourself. Overcoming feelings of self-doubt and accomplishing your goals will be your greatest superpower. My own journey with limb loss has shaped me into a person and type of human I never imagined I would become, with a sense of strength and resilience that I would not have known existed within myself.”
Seventeen-year-old Lily said, “You can’t let those people who may bully you or discourage you bring you down and make you feel like you can’t. Utilize resources and find those people that support you and want to help you accomplish your goals. One day you will accomplish those dreams and achieve those goals. For me that is being active, driving, graduating high school, and going to college. Today, with the support of family and friends, I am well on my way to working towards my goals and look forward to what the future holds.”
Marina shared, “Be confident, proud of yourself, and lean into your support system. I struggled with my self-esteem when I was younger. Remember, you will accomplish great things. Now there are also many local groups and events with opportunities to meet others with limb loss and limb difference. Take advantage of learning from others shared experiences and make great friends along the way.”
Hanger Clinic Vice President and amputee Steve Miller, CPO, said, “I feel fortunate I was told not to let my prosthesis hold me back from participating in activities and doing the things I wanted to do. If there is an activity you want to participate in, there is most likely a way to accomplish it and others with limb loss who may already be doing it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t, or those days are over. There is nothing you can’t accomplish. You may not run as fast, but you are probably still quicker than some people, and you can play any sport you set your mind to.”
Clinic Manager and amputee Jason Wening, CPO, said, “Connect with other people who have experienced limb loss or limb difference. I grew up in a time when I didn’t meet other people who had a prosthesis. My parents tried, but the resources didn’t exist to connect people like we can now. When I was younger, I wished I could have met someone further down the path that I was on. When I was able to find that, it was a life- changing experience and connection.
Now, there are many great opportunities to meet others including BAKA Bootcamp, Camp No Limits, EmpowerFest, and local support groups — really any activity where you connect with others experiencing a journey similar to yours is beneficial.
The challenge with meeting people in the social media environment is that sometimes you only see the glossy, most perfect view of things, which is not reflective of reality and the effort it takes. At camp, it was the first time I saw people with disabilities being upbeat and celebrating life as they challenged themselves with new activities.”
Advocating for Access to Care
Advocacy plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals with limb loss or limb differences have access to necessary resources, from prosthetic technology to inclusive spaces and equal opportunities. This month amplifies calls for change and progress in areas such as healthcare, education, employment, and recreation. So Every Body Can Move is an initiative to provide greater access to specialized orthotic and prosthetic care for physical activity and healthy lifestyles. You can get involved and help support legislative activity in your state using their tools and resources.
Celebrate With Hanger
As we kick off Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, we want to hear from you! Each week during April, we’ll post a new question like the one above on our Facebook and Instagram channels for our followers to answer, and we’ll randomly select two winners. Share your thoughts in the comments for a chance to win Hanger Clinic swag.
Your insights can encourage and support others in the community. Winners will be announced every Friday!
Request a Free Evaluation
If you or someone you love is looking for personalized prosthetic or orthotic care, get in touch with a board-certified clinician at a Hanger Clinic near you.
References
1. Amputee Coalition https://avalere.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Prevalence-of-Limb-Loss-and-Limb-Difference-in-the-United-States_Implications-for-Public-Policy.pdf 2. Wurdeman, Shane R., et al. “Mobility Analysis of AmpuTees (MAAT I): Quality of Life and Satisfaction Are Strongly Related to Mobility for Patients with a Lower Limb Prosthesis.” Prosthetics and Orthotics International, vol. 42, no. 5, Oct. 2018, pp. 498–503 3. Miller, Taavy A. MSPO, CPO; Paul, Rajib PhD; Forthofer, Melinda PhD; Wurdeman, Shane R. PhD Impact of Time to Receipt of Prosthesis on Total Healthcare Costs 12 Months Postamputation, American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, vol. 99, iss. 11, Nov. 2020, p. 1026
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