Kathryn “Katie” Scully, now the Community Care Coordinator for the Lehigh Valley, was a student attending the Savannah College of Art and Design when she caught a life threatening bacterial infection which led to the bilateral amputation of her legs below the knee. As an individual who was already no stranger to multitudes of emotional and mental adversity, she knew in her heart that taking on the physical repercussions that had saved her life would take a great amount of fight.

A year after her amputations, curious about her new world and community, she began attending and participating in Hanger Clinic’s annual EmpowerFest, a national conference that brings patients and clinicians together in a weekend-long event. The event includes group sessions covering mental health and physical rehabilitation, plus live music, games, and other activities. Her involvement in patient events led to her becoming a Patient Ambassador. Katie is also a Certified Peer Visitor for the AMPOWER program, a peer-to-peer network designed to empower and strengthen those affected by amputation or limb difference through peer mentorship, educational resources, and community events.

Additionally, within her community she has worked closely with the Lehigh Valley Health Network to create a support group for amputees and those with limb difference in the East Stroudsburg/Pocono Area. Currently through Hanger Clinic, Katie also helps engage others to attend weekly private and amputee-centered yoga sessions.

As Community Care Coordinator, Katie looks forward to connecting with Hanger Clinic Patients on a personal level, making sure they are receiving the best care while providing emotional support for each person’s individual limb loss or limb difference journey.