Tag: below-knee

Christy Gardner Blog

US Army Veteran and Double Amputee Gives Back by Training Service Dogs

Christy is a retired United States Army veteran from Maine. In 2006, she was seriously injured while out on dismount patrol and was told she would be confined to a wheelchair. Then in 2016, Christy became a bilateral below-knee amputee. Today, Christy is thriving playing sports and helping other veterans and amputees as a therapy dog trainer.

An Active Childhood

Christy was a very active child, involved in soccer and track and field. By the time she was in high school, she was playing two sports each season – soccer and field hockey in the fall, indoor track and basketball in the winter, and outdoor track and soccer in the spring. She continued her sports career into college, competing for Long Island University on both their field hockey and track teams. After graduating college with a photography degree, Christy joined the U.S. Army.

Serving in the Army

Christy was proud to have the opportunity to serve her country.

“I worked my way up to Army sergeant. It was incredible working alongside others with the same passion. I planned to serve for the maximum number of years until that fateful day.”

In 2006 while serving overseas, Christy sustained multiple serious injuries, including fractures, spinal damage, and brain trauma. Her initial recovery was slow. For eight years, she underwent limb salvage for her legs. To prevent further damage to her leg and foot, doctors encouraged Christy to remain in a wheelchair. With her assistance dog, Moxie, by her side, Christy fought depression and knew she wanted to regain an active life again.

“I was not able to do a lot. At the time, Maine not very wheelchair accessible, my house was not accessible, and daily activities were a challenge. Through one of my rehabilitation groups, I started to play sled hockey to get my body moving again. That is where I met a group of people with amputation living great lives and doing amazing things.”

The Decision – Bilateral Below-Knee Amputation

Eventually, Christy and her medical team decided amputation would be the best option for her. In May 2015, Christy had her left leg amputated below the knee. Just nine months later, her right leg was also amputated below the knee.

“I was passionate about rehabilitating my body. With the first amputation, I slowly worked through the process of transferring, standing, and walking with my prosthesis. It took time to feel comfortable with it all. With my second amputation, I knew what was coming. The recovery went very quickly for me, which is not always the case after experiencing amputation. Nine weeks after my second amputation, I started walking with my prostheses, and six months later, I started running.

The team at Hanger Clinic in Auburn, Maine played a critical role in my recovery. My clinicians, Rick Browning and Kevin Zang, CO, BOCP, helped me understand the possibilities in life. I continue to show up to my appointments with Kevin and tell him the next activities I want to pursue in life, and he helps adjust my prosthetic equipment and provide me with encouragement to take the next steps.”

Pursuing Sports and Activities Again

Living with bilateral below-knee amputation did not stop Christy from pursuing sports. She found her passion in sled hockey and became a player for the U.S. Women’s Sled Hockey team. Christy participated in the U.S. Paralympic Trials for the 2016 Rio Paralympics and will soon be flying to Chile with the U.S. Paralympics Track and Field Team. She also skis, snowboards, plays basketball, and many other adaptive sports.

Christy also has played a role in starting new youth programs in adaptive sports, teaching adaptive sports to military veterans, and training service dogs.

Christy Gardner

“I wanted to serve in the Army as my long-term career, but fate changed that. It was important to me to find a way to continue to serve. In 2020, I founded Mission Working Dogs to train service dogs for other amputees, veterans, and people living with disabilities.

My first dog, Moxie, was instrumental for me during my recovery process and crucial to my independence. Now I have Doug, who continues to assist me. I am passionate about helping others recover after traumatic experiences and amputation.”

Recognizing Veterans Day

In recognition of Veterans Day, Christy shares some insight that has been important for her.

“I tell other veterans experiencing an amputation to give themselves grace and time, but to keep pushing through. If the fit for your prosthesis doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to tell your clinician about it. The process to get the right fit can take time. Your body and activity levels continue to change, so adjustments may need to be made. One millimeter can make a difference in getting blisters or being able to walk over 10,000 steps in a day.

Additionally, get involved in your community. So many of us serve because we want to make a difference. There is still an opportunity to do that while living life with your prosthesis. You just need to look past the frustrations and look for the possibilities.”

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If you or someone you love are looking for personalized prosthetic care following amputation, get in touch with a board-certified prosthetist at a Hanger Clinic near you.

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Howard Young Blog

Howard Returns to Work as Garbage Truck Driver with Below-Knee Prostheses

Howard was hospitalized with a severe case of pneumonia and placed into a medically induced coma. After two and a half months, he woke up to learn he would need both of his legs amputated below the knee to help save his life. A garbage truck driver, husband, and father of two, Howard was determined to walk, return to work, and show his family and friends the importance of never giving up.

Howard was recovering from a fracture in his left leg when he contracted Covid. He became very ill and was having trouble breathing, so his wife took him to the hospital. At first, he was sent home with an inhaler. After his conditioned worsened, Howard returned to the hospital.

“When I arrived at the hospital the second time, I was told I had a pneumonia along with Covid. They checked me into the hospital. My oxygen levels proceeded to drop under 40 multiple times. I am a type II diabetic, and my body wasn’t strong enough to fight of the pneumonia. I needed to be placed into a medically induced coma to help me survive. I called my family, my wife, and my mom, told them ‘I love you’ and that everything would be fine.”

Two and a half months later, Howard woke up from the coma.

“I saw my wife and a nurse when I first woke up. I couldn’t move my body, only my eyes. But I was thankful to still be alive.”

Path to Recovery

Howard spent the next three weeks on dialysis for 12 hours a day to help prevent his vital organs from shutting down, but his extremities did not fare so well. A surgeon came to examine Howard and told him he would need to amputate his legs below the knee.

“While I was in the hospital, I received a visit from Sam, a peer mentor with Hanger Clinic. She talked me through what life would be like after the amputation, how I could eventually be evaluated for below-knee prostheses. She gave me and my wife hope that I could get my life back again.”

After the amputation surgery, Howard spent months doing physical therapy to relearn everything again – how to swallow, chew, sit up, and eventually move himself around. Gradually, his body got stronger and stronger, until he was able to go home and continue his therapy from there.

“Rehabilitation and therapy were painful and hard, but I didn’t give up. I wore my shrinkers to help with the swelling after amputation surgery. When I was strong enough, I went to the Hanger Clinic in Sarasota, Florida to be evaluated for below-knee prostheses. That is when I met my prosthetist Tanith Forrester, CPO. She was so encouraging and told me I could have the life I wanted to live. All the staff at the Hanger Clinic were so nice, positive, and outgoing. Tanith fit me with my prostheses and encouraged me to attend EmpowerFest, where I met other people with limb loss and found my confidence once again.”

Howard’s family and friends were also by his side, supporting him through his recovery.

“My wife, children, and mom were by my side through it all. My trainer, Ty, came to visit me after I lost my limb and told me he was going to help me get out of my wheelchair. I tried to remain strong, but it was hard. I went from being the provider for my family to being dependent on them. Ty helped me find my inner strength and become physically stronger.”

Howard gradually regained his balance, learned to walk with walking crutches, and then began walking on his own.

Howard Young

Returning to Work

Howard Photo Employees

Prior to his illness and limb loss, Howard supported his family working as a residential garbage truck driver.

“After hearing about my gradual recovery, my boss came by to check on me. I asked if there was any opportunity for me to return to work, even if it was in a different capacity. I wanted to provide for my family again and regain my independence. I started working in the office, filing, and catching up on paperwork. After a couple of weeks, I moved to the dispatch office for about three to four months. Then, I told them I was ready to get back on the garbage truck. I am now riding in the truck and learning front-end commercial trash service, which has been a lot different than residential trash service. I am just weeks away from driving the truck with my prosthetic legs. My journey to get to this point has been incredible.”

Prostheses and Employment

In the study “Gender, Geography, and EMployment Differences Based on Mobility Levels Among Lower Limb Prosthesis Users Living in the United States”, researchers with the Hanger Institute found that being employed can have a positive impact on mobility levels.

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GGEM

National Employment Disability Month

National Employment Disability Month is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and importance of including them in the workplace.

“I am fortunate to have a village of people who stand by me and an employer who supports my contributions. I just take it one day at a time. I feel so fortunate to have my job and all the positive people I am around. I am thankful to be alive, and that I’m able to work hard and enjoy life.”

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If you or someone you love is looking for personalized care following amputation, get in touch with a board-certified prosthetist at a Hanger Clinic near you.

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Vicky Autrey

Vicky Treasures Life After Near Death Experience with Sepsis

Sepsis nearly took Vicky’s life. She survived, but lost both her legs below the knee. Now, Vicky celebrates each day and lives an active life with her bilateral below-knee prostheses.

Vicky was at church one Sunday when she started to shake and feel very sick. Her husband, Gene, took her to the local hospital.

Battle with Sepsis

Vicky was then sent to Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. After arriving there, she medically died, but the resident refused to give up on her. He continued lifesaving efforts until Vicky’s heart started again. Fourteen days later, she came out of a coma on dialysis and a ventilator.

“My husband told me I had blockages, collapsed stents, a serious liver infection, and sepsis. Medicine was used to keep my blood pressure up for my heart and vital organs, which limited blood circulation to all my limbs. My husband and daughter massaged my limbs. Despite their best efforts, my legs did not fair well.”

First, Vicky had her toes and part of her feet amputated on both legs. She went home after that, waiting for her next scheduled amputation surgery. But she became very sick again. The next morning, her ankles and the rest of her feet were amputated. Then a week later, her legs were amputated below the knee.

Sepsis Awareness Month

Learn how to protect you and your loved ones from sepsis.

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Sepsis Awareness Month

Meeting My Prosthetist

During all of this, Vicky never lost faith.

“My husband was by my side the whole time, keeping my spirits up. When I was in the hospital, a prosthetist from Hanger Clinic came to my hospital room. We talked about my future and life as an amputee using prostheses.”

After therapy at the hospital, Vicky was sent home. At first, she was in a wheelchair, recovering from surgery and healing.

“We live in an old farmhouse and each door is a different size. My son remodeled the front door, hallways, and my bedroom. With the widened front door and bedroom door, I was able to enter and exit easily, accessing different areas of my house.”

Vicky then went to Hanger Clinic in Clayton, North Carolina, where she eventually met Rebecca Cook, CPO.

“We love Rebecca. Once I received my prostheses, she helped me learn how to use them, taking steps with the parallel bars, and then walking with crutches. I also worked with my physical therapist, learning how to pull myself up, sit down, and walk. I suffer from some balance issues, so I prefer to use the arm crutches. Rebecca continues to listen to what I need and make adjustments to help me feel more comfortable. She works with me each step of the way.”

Vicky Autry sepsis

Life Today

“It’s been four years since my amputation, and I still feel very fortunate to be alive. I can walk a good distance using my below-knee prostheses and arm crutches. I even try to make a statement with my prosthetic legs by not hiding them. I am able to do household chores, go to the store, help with my grandchildren, and still do the activities I love with my family. My favorite activity is camping. I have two children, their spouses, and five grandchildren, and we all like to camp together.

I even had the opportunity to try adaptive sports. I got talked into trying sled hockey. I played for a season and a half, and it was so enjoyable. I felt free being out there gliding across the ice, easily moving around. It almost made me feel like I was flying.

My nieces organize a 5k called the Mud Girl Run. My goal is to participate in the run, so I’ve been working on my balance and being more active.”

Words of Advice

During Sepsis Awareness Month, Vicky wanted to share these words of advice with others out there surviving from sepsis and those living with lower limb amputation.

“Keep every bit of faith you have. There is nothing you can change about the fact that you had an amputation. Yes, there are some hard days, but there are many opportunities out there. Take charge and go find them. If you can’t do something the way that you used to, look for the way you can do it today. And use your support system. They love you and are there to help.”

Request a Free Evaluation

If you or someone you love is looking for personalized care following amputation, get in touch with a board-certified prosthetist at a Hanger Clinic near you.

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Shima Nixon Blog

Shima Nixon Advancing the O&P Profession as First Black Female Clinician With Bilateral Limb Loss

On May 5, 31-year-old Taushima “Shima” Nixon achieved a dream ten years in the making when she graduated from Alabama State University with her Masters of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics. As she walked across the stage on two prosthetic legs, Shima knew that accepting her diploma was not only a reflection of her hard work and perseverance, but a testimony to the unflagging support of her family, friends, colleagues, professors, and mentors—many of whom were in the audience—who encouraged and carried her after a traumatic accident changed her life and set the trajectory of her career.

Originally from the rural town of Williamston, North Carolina, Shima was studying nursing at Pitt Community College in March 2013, when her car died at a traffic light. The last memory Shima has is walking to the trunk to check the battery. When she woke up in the hospital three days later, she learned she had been hit by an on-coming car and lost one of her legs above-the-knee. Unfortunately, in July 2013, she would lose her other leg below-the-knee due to a staph infection.

Rather than studying for college finals, the 21-year-old was fighting for her life, re-learning how to walk, and leaning on her mother Patricia (who never left her side); her dad Sam; Mima Pat, her grandmother; her sister Kinah; brothers Shelton and Mark; niece Niya; her childhood best friend Rebecca; and countless other family members and friends. Hope came from her faith and community. Rebecca started a Facebook page called “Steps for Shima,” where hundreds of people shared messages of support.

Hope also came from Shima’s medical team, including her surgeon, Dr. Eddie Powell, Jr., the first Black doctor Shima was treated by, who helped her feel seen and understood.

Mom Patricia, Shima, Sister Kinah

This surgeon called in a special visitor for Shima, and when Community Care Coordinator Stephen Shope walked into her hospital room wearing two above-elbow prosthetic arms, she felt for the first time that she’d met someone who knew exactly what she was going through. Stephen was also young and had been in a traumatic motorcycle accident that caused him to lose both arms, but that hadn’t stopped him from activities like driving a stick shift and returning to riding a motorcycle.

Walking with Her Prostheses

With grit and determination, Shima underwent months of intense rehabilitation, being fit with her first prosthetic legs at Hanger Clinic in November 2013, meaningfully, around Thanksgiving. When she initially tried to stand, she realized she wasn’t sure what to do. Her prosthetist assured her, “Just put one foot in front of the other.” The journey to walking independently again was not easy, but with the mindset that God had saved her life for a reason, Shima made progress, moving from a wheelchair to waking with two canes, to one cane, to accidentally leaving her cane behind one day and realizing she didn’t need it anymore.

Shima was able to stand tall and confident again, eventually returning to school to finish her Associate’s Degree, where she met her best friend Aerial, and then graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Recreational Therapy from Georgia Southern University. In her personal life, Shima took up adaptive sports like wheelchair basketball and began to peer visit other amputees. At that point, she truly felt she was back to herself.

For several years, Shima worked a fulfilling job providing recreational therapy at a prison for men with mental health diagnoses. One day, she saw a man who had an amputation and found herself wondering if he was able to access the care he needed. Shima had an epiphany that her journey was not over, that recreational therapy was not the end: there was a final place she was meant to be.

Becoming a Prosthetist/Orthotist

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Shima began applying to O&P master’s programs, the next step in becoming a certified prosthetist/orthotist. She was accepted to multiple schools, but chose Alabama State University, the only historically black college and university (HBCU) with an O&P program, because she knew her purpose included addressing the racial disparities present in healthcare at large and within O&P, where many patients of color do not have a clinician who looks like them.

Shima says, “I don’t mind standing in the gap, being the blueprint and showing other amputees, females, and especially African Americans as a whole, that those positions you don’t see yourself in are the main ones you should pursue. I know that once I become a prosthetist, my patients will be grateful to see that their clinician not only looks like them, but IS like them.”

Shima Nixon ASU Graduation

Reconnecting with Friends

Shima received the inaugural Hanger Foundation Diversity Scholarship, which supported her studies at ASU and opened the door to a special reunion. When she inquired about whether Stephen Shope, whom she hadn’t spoken to in years, still worked at Hanger Clinic, she not only learned that he did, but she got his email address. Shima and Stephen reconnected virtually, and then in 2023, Shima was asked to share her story at Hanger LIVE, Hanger’s annual educational conference, where she reunited in person with Stephen for the first time in a decade. Stephen had never seen Shima walking or thriving and was incredibly proud of her.  

Shima and Stephen

As class president, Shima gave a speech to her O&P class on graduation day, during a White Coat ceremony attended by many of her family members and community, including her loving boyfriend Chris, who is also a certified prosthetist/orthotist. She reflected on the many challenges they had all worked through to reach this momentous day, reminding everyone: “We’re here. We made it.” As Shima shared with NBC Nightly News, “Everything that happened on my journey was worth it, and I’m glad it did happen, because it pushed me out of my comfort zone. I get to be part of something bigger than me.”

NBC Nightly News Spotlights Shima Nixon

NBC Nightly News airs a segment about Shima’s incredible story and graduation.

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Shima Graduation

On June 5, Shima’s dream will come full circle as she starts her O&P residency with Hanger Clinic in Miami, where she’ll work closely with a diverse group of world-class prosthetists and orthotists to empower others in the limb loss and limb difference community. Shima is especially excited to serve a diverse group of patients, help show others that representation matters, and that they too can overcome hurdles and live the life they’ve always dreamed of.

Request a Free Evaluation

If you or someone you love is looking for personalized prosthetic care, get in touch with a board-certified prosthetist at a Hanger Clinic near you.

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Mona Patel LLLDAM

Social Worker and Mother Mona Patel Gives Back With Below-Knee Prosthesis

After being hit by a drunk driver, Mona Patel suffered with pain until she decided to have her leg amputated below the knee. Now with her prosthesis, she continues to thrive as a social worker, mother, and volunteer.

At 17 years old, Mona Patel was attending California Polytechnic University and working towards a degree in social work. When walking to class one day, she was hit by a drunk driver, pinned between the car and a metal railing, smashing her leg and foot.

Mona Patel

Her parents were faced with a difficult decision, limb salvage or amputation. To save their daughters’ leg, they elected to amputate half of Mona’s foot. But from that moment, Mona’s life was forever changed.

“Initially, my parents and I did everything we could to save my leg. My foot amputation was followed by seven years of surgeries, physical therapy, pain medications, and limited endurance. When I was getting ready for my 21st surgery, I finally came to a crossroad in my life—continue down the same path of repeated visits to the operating room and limited mobility or amputate my leg below the knee. After much research and debate, I decided to move forward with below-knee amputation.

At the time, I was 24 years old, newly married, and had so many questions about my recovery, future mobility, becoming pregnant and having a baby with an amputated leg, and so much more. I was able to eventually find and talk with other people who were in a similar situation as me, including a woman who had an above-knee amputation and then went on to have four children. They provided me with hope and a positive outlook.

After my amputation, my life changed. With my below-knee prosthesis, I gradually began regaining my mobility and surpassing where I was prior to my amputation surgery. I could walk longer distances, did not fatigue as easily, and was not experiencing chronic pain anymore. I was able to get back to life, traveling, working as a social worker, and eventually starting my family.”

Facts About Limb Loss

Discover more about the common causes of limb loss and limb difference, and opportunities to overcome challenges and embrace life.

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Limb Loss and Limb Difference: Facts, Statistics, & Resources

Giving Back

“When I was faced with the decision of getting an amputation, I wanted to speak with someone like me, around my age, with similar life goals. After some searching, I was fortunate to find that person. I decided to make it my mission to help new amputees connect with others similar to themselves and feel supported throughout their experience. In 1997, I founded the San Antonio Amputee Support Group. I later had the honor of serving on the board of the Amputee Coalition of America. In 2009, I helped to lead legislative efforts for a bill that now mandates more fair insurance coverage for prostheses. And I regularly meet with people considering an amputation. The resources available to people have grown, but there continues to be an opportunity to improve them.”

Mona Patel and Yvonne Below Knee Prosthesis

I make it my mission to help people feel supported, and I encourage the people I meet with to consider paying it forward and share their experience with others.

Mona Patel

Life as a Social Worker

Before Mona’s amputation, she started down the path of pursuing a degree in social work. After her accident, she decided nothing was going to stop her from doing what she loved.

“I always wanted to help people and social work seemed like a good fit for me. After my accident, I earned a bachelor’s in behavioral science from California Polytechnic University, a master’s in psychology from Pepperdine University, and a master’s in social work from Southwest Texas State University. Since receiving my degrees, I have had a variety of experiences in the field, working with children, mental health, home health, and then having a private practice for a couple of years.

When I was visiting with my prosthetist, I was asked if I had any interest in pursuing social work within the prosthetic field. With my background, I felt like it would be a perfect fit. I work with patients from a psychosocial perspective during their amputation and prosthetic experience, helping to provide emotional and physical support and improve outcomes. With my background as a patient, volunteer, and social worker, I help heal the mind, heart, and body and stand beside patients as they work through their emotional and physical journeys. I truly enjoy working as a Community Care Coordinator with Hanger Clinic in San Antonio.”

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

“I was looking for a new challenge and decided to take on Mount Kilimanjaro— the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. I organized and led a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro for myself and eight other people with amputations. We prepared mentally and physically for over a year. We relied on each other’s strengths to get up and back down the mountain.”

Family and Children

In addition to her career, Mona went on to pursue many of her personal goals.

“I was married shortly before I decided on my amputation. Knowing I wanted children in my future, I wanted to fully understand how my amputation would impact that experience. With support, I moved forward with my decision and still feel it was the best decision for me. I then went on to have two beautiful daughters. Growing up, they knew I wasn’t like every other mom, but they also saw that I didn’t let it slow me down. I participated in self-care and physical activities like hiking and mountain climbing. My daughters were there when I volunteered to meet with others going through an amputation, attended adaptive sport events, and so much more. This experience shaped them into compassionate and strong young women, and I am so proud of where life is taking them today.”

Inspire to Elevate

Hanger Clinic is celebrating Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month by hosting a Virtual Recognition Board where members of the community can recognize a fellow community member who embodies the Amputee Coalition’s 2023 theme “Inspire to Elevate.”

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LLLDAM Blog

Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month

“I encourage people to share amputation experiences throughout the year and appreciate that Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month provides us with an opportunity to enhance awareness. Social media has opened a wider opportunity to reach more people across multiple states. In addition to sharing facts and information to support those with limb loss, take the time to share tips to prevent limb loss from occurring. Share your stories and celebrate how far the limb loss community has come with resources to support one another. If you are looking for support in your area, reach out to AMPOWER®, a peer-to-peer support program for people with limb loss or limb difference. There is a community out there to support you and your families.”

Request a Free Evaluation

If you or someone you love is looking for personalized prosthetic care, get in touch with a board-certified prosthetist at a Hanger Clinic near you.

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Veterans Day Sarah Rudder

Veteran Wounded on 9/11 Rediscovers Life with Below-the-Knee Prosthesis

On Veterans Day and throughout the year, we are grateful to those who serve and their families for their selflessness and sacrifice. We sat down with Sarah Rudder to learn more about her experience as a veteran and living life with a below-the-knee prosthesis.

When Sarah was just 12 years old, she saw the US Marine Corps Silent Drill Team for the first time, and from that moment on, she knew she wanted to be a Marine. Five years later at the age of 17, she enlisted.

While based at the Marine Corps headquarters in Arlington, Virginia after boot camp, Sarah was in a car accident in early September of 2001. Her car hydroplaned and hit the center divider, leaving her with a broken scapula and nose, multiple fractured ribs, and head trauma. 

Wounded at the Pentagon on 9/11

Very shortly after her car accident, on September 11, 2001, Sarah was back at the headquarters being promoted from Private First Class to Lance Corporal. Just after the ceremony had finished, the unthinkable happened. The Pentagon was hit by the hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 plane. Only about a mile away, Sarah and her fellow Marines were quickly on the scene and helping survivors to escape. The next day, she was helping to recover non-survivors when she stepped backward into a hole and a chunk of concrete fell onto her foot. At the time, she didn’t realize the extent of her injuries, and adrenaline kept her performing her duties. When Sarah finally stopped to slow down and take off her boot, she realized her ankle had been crushed and severely damaged.

Following her injury, Sarah was medically discharged from the Marines. She had surgeries on her foot, Achilles tendon, and knee, and experienced complex regional pain syndrome and nerve damage. After numerous reconstructive surgeries, she could hardly tolerate the pain. She experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury from her car accident, and felt herself struggling to find her path. Sarah was given two choices – place a rod from her hip to her ankle with the possibility of continued pain or amputation. She chose amputation. In 2014, at 32 years old, Sarah had her leg amputated below the knee.

I decided right there that’s what I would do and my mind never changed.

Sarah Rudder

Life with a Below-the-Knee Prosthesis

After her amputation, Sarah found prosthetist Mike Ward, CPO, at Hanger Clinic in Temecula, California, and six weeks after her surgery, Sarah was fitted for her prosthesis.

“It was such a great experience. Mike explained everything to me. When I received my first test socket, Mike told me it was going to take a while to walk and that I still may need a cane to assist me. I told him I was in pain and on crutches for 10 years, and I wasn’t going to use them again. I was in the office for five hours that day, learning movement patterns and how to start walking. I was so excited when I was able to walk without pain, and then I discovered fitness.”

Sarah found Catch a Lift Fund, a non-profit that provides combat-wounded veterans with fitness grants, gym equipment, community, and nutrition. The organization gave Sarah her first barbell, starting her on her path to fitness. She then got serious about CrossFit, an activity that enabled her to incorporate so many movements into her life. She has competed in The CrossFit Games, WheelWod, and for Team USA at the Invictus Games.

“Mike and I have a really good relationship. He has always been on board with new activities I want to try, supporting me through my CrossFit passion, and creating legs to help me through my competitions. Since the beginning, I have gone through at least 20 sockets adjusted to fit my life. I gave him one of my gold medals to let him know how much I appreciate him and all of his work. I would not have been able to get through this journey without him.”

Now Sarah volunteers for Catch a Lift Fund when she is able to, along with training for CrossFit competitions. “Fitness had and continues to have a huge impact on my life. This foundation gave me the tools and accountability I needed to restart my life again. I now give back when and how I can to the foundation that truly helped save my life and gave me a purpose again.” Outside of her passion for fitness, Sarah spends time with her husband, Navy Veteran Marcus, and two children riding bikes down the beach and coaching soccer.

Recognizing Veterans Day

“Veterans Day is a day to reflect on the sacrifices and service of our veterans and their families. For me, it is a difficult day, but I feel supported by other veterans, my family, and people in my life. It’s another opportunity for me to reflect on 9/11, where I was, what I was doing, and what I was thinking at that time. For veterans like me who were there or served on combat deployments, it’s quite often an everyday thing we live.

Take the opportunity to check in with your battle buddies and other veterans, let them know you are there for them and they are never alone. Just knowing that someone is there to support them when they need it or least expect it means more than many know.”

A heartfelt thank you to the veterans who are an important part of our Hanger family, and all veterans who have served our country. We’re proud to honor you on Veterans Day and every day for your service and sacrifice, and we salute your bravery, selflessness, and invaluable contributions.

Request a Free Evaluation

If you or someone you love are looking for personalized prosthetic care following amputation, get in touch with a board-certified prosthetist at a Hanger Clinic near you.

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Callie Colwick Below Knee Prosthetics

Brave Mother Callie Colwick Celebrates Life with her Daughter Kenzi and Bilateral Below-Knee Prosthetics

Callie Colwick found out she and her husband, Kevin, were expecting their second child in November 2016. But at only 15 weeks pregnant, Callie began experiencing a complication which they later discovered was placenta percreta. While in the hospital fighting for her son’s life, she went into septic shock resulting in the loss of her son Quinn, both legs below the knee, a few fingers, and a year and a half of her life. Though Callie has endured a heartbreaking tragedy, she believes her story is one of hope and that “beautiful destinations often lie at the end of the most difficult paths.”

Callie and her husband are high school sweethearts. They married in 2011 and had their first child, Kenzi Rae, in 2015. Kenzi is an absolute delight and their “bright ray of sunshine”. After some pregnancy difficulties, they were expecting again. Hesitant to tell people early about the pregnancy, they waited until the second trimester to share the news. Shortly after, Callie started to experience complications with her pregnancy.

Pregnancy Complications

Callie’s life changed forever the day after Christmas in 2016.

While Callie was 4 months pregnant with her son Quinn, she began experiencing complications and visited her doctor. She was sent immediately to the hospital, and they expected she would give birth at any moment.

She was admitted to the hospital in early December 2016. On the day after Christmas, after weeks of fighting for her son’s life, Callie’s body went into septic shock. Doctors later discovered it was due to very rare E.coli infection that started in her uterus.

Callie Colwick Family

“It was a solemn few weeks fighting for my son’s life in the hospital. We were praying for a miracle while simultaneously being faced with statistics increasingly against us. Kevin never left my side. Christmas day our daughter Kenzi visited the hospital and I was filled with joy and hope – but the following day my abdomen hurt and suddenly my world went black.”

Callie’s body began to shut down as her organs failed. Quinn was delivered while Callie was unconscious, weighing just half a pound. He couldn’t survive apart from his mother. Callie began hemorrhaging blood and was immediately rushed into surgery. Kevin was left in the hospital room alone with his son, mourning his passing and not knowing if Callie would survive the surgery… if he would ever see her alive again.

Time stopped for one fleeting hour as I took in every single second I had with Quinn. Memorizing his beautiful face, holding his tiny hands… knowing I’d never get to see my son Earth-side again.

Kevin Colwick

Fighting for her Life

Kevin stayed by Callie’s side.

Over the next year, Callie was in an intense fight for her life as she spent countless months in the ICU, being fed through tubes, a machine giving her every breath, and enduring dozens of surgeries including a hysterectomy, amputations, and countless reconstructive surgeries. Kevin never left her bedside and served as her biggest advocate as they navigated the mountains of tests, procedures, and treatments.

Callie Colwick Below Knee Amputee

Two months into her ICU stay, blood loss left Callie with severely damaged tissue. When Kevin learned doctors would have to amputate both of her legs, he fought to keep her knees. The doctors amputated both of Callie’s legs below the knee, her left thumb, left index finger, and coccyx. Her first memory was from Valentine’s Day – Kevin was wearing a suit and tie and brought her paper flowers and a snow cone. Callie was able to see her below-knee limb loss for the first time that day.

Callie spent the next year and a half in the ICU and rehabilitation hospital getting skin grafts and other procedures needed for recovery. With over 170 surgeries and procedures, the time she spent in the ICU felt like an eternity. Kevin never left her side – becoming Callie’s biggest advocate and seeing their daughter Kenzi as often as he could.

Life with Below-Knee Prosthetics

Finally, in March 2018, Callie came home. She still had a long recovery ahead, needing time to heal and learn how to move her new body. Initially, she worked on simple tasks like sitting up and holding a glass of water. As she got stronger, her physical therapy progressed. Finally, one year after she came home, she was able to stand on her knees. Once she was strong enough, she went to Hanger Clinic to explore what life would look like with prosthetics.

In April 2019, Callie went to her first appointment at the Hanger Clinic in Plano, Texas, meeting her prosthetist Jason Reed, CPO, and beginning her mobility journey. It was there she stood up for the first time and embraced her husband (something she hadn’t been able to do in years), and documented many of her big moments via her Instagram channel.

“My Hanger family was there to support me from day one. Jason listened intently to my story, and I could see that he empathized and felt the pain of everything I had been through. From that moment on, he took care of me every step of the way. He listened to what I wanted in my first set of prosthetic legs. Then one year later when I told him I needed something more lightweight and easier for me to use on my own independently, he fabricated the perfect set of sparkly gold legs. They were everything I wanted and more. The generosity and care of the Hanger Clinic team is more than I can ever put into words.”

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Callie Colwick shares her extraordinary journey on ABC News.

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ABC World News Callie Colwick

Celebrating Mother’s Day

Thanks to the incredible care from her Hanger Clinic team, prosthetic technology, and sheer determination, Callie has gradually regained her mobility and independence over the past three years. Because of her difficult amputation, Callie must work harder than many amputees at her level and uses a variety of mobility tools in addition to her prosthetic devices. The Hanger Clinic team has become like family to her, cheering her on and supporting her every step of the way.

Four years after watching her daughter take her first steps, Callie never imagined the roles would be reversed and her daughter would be watching mom do the same thing. Not only did Kenzi watch – she proudly cheered her mom on.

Callie Below Knee Prostheses Family

Callie continues to progress. She is walking, writing a children’s book, writing a book documenting her story, traveling, and speaking to share her miraculous story of hope amidst unthinkable darkness. The Colwick family has also started the adoption process and is just waiting to share all the love they have with their future little one once they are selected by a very special mom.

“As I reflect on what Mother’s Day means to me this year, I feel immense gratitude for the little things and so blessed to be alive. Medically speaking, I shouldn’t be here. But I am, and now I get to watch my daughter grow up. Watching her discover the beauty in life as I simultaneously rediscover it is such a sweet gift. There is always an opportunity to discover the beauty in each day. You simply have to look for it. There was a challenge I gave myself in the ICU that I continue to this day: to find one beautiful thing in each day. As I lay in the ICU room unable to move, unable to breath on my own, I’d watch the sunlight trickle in through my window and dance on those sterile walls, and I would think to myself: ‘I found my one beautiful thing’.”

There is always an opportunity to find a positive in every day. You just have to look for it.

Callie Colwick

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If you or someone you love is looking for personalized care following amputation, get in touch with a board-certified prosthetist at a Hanger Clinic near you.

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Bethany Phillips: Northwest Florida Teen Thrives with New Prosthetic Leg 8 Months After Surviving Jet Ski Accident

Bethany Phillips: Northwest Florida Teen Thrives with New Prosthetic Leg 8 Months After Surviving Jet Ski Accident

After surviving a traumatic accident in August 2020 and undergoing a below-knee amputation just one month later, Bethany Phillips is taking it one step at a time. After receiving her first prosthetic leg and officially starting her journey toward restored mobility, Bethany is learning to walk again and is already getting back to doing the things she loves, including starring in her high school play.

On August 15, 2020, then-17-year-old Bethany Phillips’ life was changed forever after a jet ski she was riding with her father was T-boned by another watercraft on the Poquito Bayou in Shalimar, Florida. What was supposed to be an enjoyable father-daughter jet ski ride to her grandparents’ house ended abruptly when Bethany and her dad, James, were thrown into the water. Both were seriously injured, with Bethany suffering a broken and dislocated tibia that resulted in a severed peritoneal artery (which cut off blood flow to her left foot), and James breaking his pelvis and back.

After arriving at a local medical center, Bethany endured 12 surgeries over two months – all while receiving hundreds of cards, prayers, and encouraging words from the local community as they closely followed her story. Ultimately, Bethany was transferred to a hospital in Birmingham where doctors were unable to salvage her left leg, resulting in a below-the-knee amputation in September. Though Bethany’s senior year—in the middle of a pandemic, no less—was not off to the start she’d envisioned, her positive attitude and strong fighting spirit prevailed through it all.

Watch Bethany’s Story on WKRG-TV

Determination, Spirit, Renewed Mobility

In March 2021, Bethany was fit with her first prosthetic leg by Hanger Clinic Area Clinic Manager Ted Graves, CPO, who says Bethany’s determination and progress are truly inspiring. Due to her high activity level and love of water activities like paddleboarding, Bethany was fit with a waterproof hydraulic ankle, the EchelonER.

Bethany is excited that her mobility has been restored, and can’t wait to get back on the water and walk across the stage at her high school graduation in June 2021. With her new prosthetic leg, she’s been able to walk to class again and even star in her high school’s production of Steel Magnolias, playing the role of Shelby alongside her younger sister, Joanna, with whom she’s grown very close since the accident.

To learn more about Bethany’s story, read the full press release in our Newsroom.

Limb Loss Patient Bethany Phillips in Steel Magnolias

Northwest Florida Daily News Features Bethany’s Journey to Mobility

Bethany has captured the hearts of the entire Northwest Florida community. Read more about her journey to renewed mobility.

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Amputation Patient Bethany Phillips Reads to Sister