Eight-Year-Old Beauden Demonstrates Strength and Perseverance Following Double Amputation
In honor of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, we’re sharing the story of Beauden Baumkirchner, an eight-year-old boy whose life changed dramatically after what seemed like a minor childhood injury. A skinned knee led to a rare and aggressive staph infection, resulting in nearly three months in the hospital, 22 surgeries, the loss of several fingers, and ultimately, bilateral above-knee amputation to save his life. Today, he plays baseball at Lake Havasu Little League and continues to inspire everyone around him with his determination and love for the game.
A Small Scrape That Changed Everything
During a family vacation in 2020, Beauden fell off his bicycle and scraped his knee, an injury no one would suspect to be serious. Just 48 hours later, he was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, where he remained for more than two months. Beauden had developed septic shock caused by a severe staph infection. Despite aggressive treatment, doctors ultimately had to perform above-knee amputations on both legs as well as multiple finger amputations to save Beauden’s life.
Compassionate Clinical Care
Beauden continues to make incredible progress thanks to his fighting spirit, a strong support system (including proud mom and dad and two doting sisters), and the compassionate care from his Phoenix Hanger Clinic team. His Hanger Clinic Pediatric Specialist and prosthetist Jillian Okimoto, CPO, describes Beauden as a source of joy for everyone he meets.
Jillian has been caring for Beauden since January 2021 and said, “Watching him grow has been such a fun ride. I’ve had the chance to see him grow comfortable in his own body and truly settle into his new normal.”
When we asked Jillian about what it means to be Beauden’s prosthetist, she shared, “It means wearing a lot of hats—being a friend, a fun extension of his care team and family, and someone who’s always ready to take on whatever new activity or challenge he wants his prosthetics to handle next. That’s what makes this field so rewarding. The job doesn’t end when patients walk out of the clinic. What we do in the clinic supports their lives outside of it, in the sports they play, the confidence they build, and all the things they are excited to try next.”
He’s gone from those early, wobbly bounces on running blades to full-on Tigger-style jumping through our office like it’s no big deal!
Jillian Okimoto, CPOHanger Clinic Pediatric Specialist
With a custom pair of above-knee prosthetic legs designed to support an active, growing child, Beauden has gained the comfort, confidence, and mobility he needs to be an energetic kid who loves sports and adventure.
Beauden’s Best Day at the Ballpark
Today, Beauden lives a very active life and enjoys biking, golfing, soccer, and most of all, baseball.
He plays baseball at Lake Havasu Little League and recently had an opportunity through the Challenged Athletes Foundation to visit the MLB Network. During his visit, Arizona Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall heard about Beauden, and invited him to throw the ceremonial first pitch during Opening Day, the biggest event of the year for the franchise.
Beauden gladly accepted the offer without hesitation.
“When we heard Beauden’s story, we knew we had to find a way to make him part of Opening Day,” said Derrick Hall, D-backs President, CEO, and General Partner. “Baseball has a unique way of bringing people together, and moments like this remind us what the game is really all about. Watching Beauden take the field in front of our fans was incredibly special for all of us.”
Walking through the stadium tunnel and taking the field in front of thousands of fans to throw the first pitch at the Diamondbacks home opener was an unforgettable moment. To make it even more memorable, there to catch his pitch was none other than his favorite Dbacks player, Corbin Carroll.
When asked about his experience, Beauden summed it up simply saying, “This is the best day of my life!”
Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month
With 5.6 million people across the U.S. who have limb loss or limb difference, chances are you will encounter someone who has faced or is facing this difficult journey. April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the resilience, strength, and stories of individuals like Beauden who are redefining what’s possible.
“Caring for pediatric and amputee patients isn’t a one‑person sport, it’s a true team effort,” said Jillian. “During Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, I also want to recognize the physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physicians who work alongside us every day. We’re just one part of the journey, and helping someone return to function, or get ready for their next adventure, takes all of us working together.”
Beauden’s journey is a powerful reminder that limb loss and limb difference do not define one’s potential. Throughout the month and all year long, let’s support those with limb loss and limb difference.
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.
In honor of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, we’re sharing the story of Beauden Baumkirchner, an eight-year-old boy whose life changed dramatically after what seemed like a minor childhood injury. A skinned knee led to a rare and aggressive staph infection, resulting in nearly three months in the hospital, 22 surgeries, the loss of several fingers, and ultimately, bilateral above-knee amputation to save his life. Today, he plays baseball at Lake Havasu Little League and continues to inspire everyone around him with his determination and love for the game.
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