Community
Peer Support is Essential
Education and emotional support from those who have successfully moved forward after amputation have proven to be the most effective ways for patients to adjust to life with limb loss and live without limits.
The benefits of a community
- Greater ability to cope with depression, fear, and feelings of hopelessness
- More successful rehabilitation outcomes
- Faster return to activities of daily living
- Increased social interaction and participation in activities
Find a Group
No one knows more about the impact of limb loss than someone who has been through it before.
Amputee Coalition
Virtual Support Group Meetings
Thursdays PM (different time zones)
Email: supportgroups@amputee-coalition.org
Phone: 888-267-5669 ext. 8124
Certified Peer Visitor (CPV) Program
An experienced, well-trained peer offers encouragement and information from a place, and at a pace, that an individual in this circumstance can better absorb.
Email: robrodriguez@hanger.com
Phone: (516) 246-1021
Get Educated
Change is always challenging, especially after losing a limb. Adapting to a new way of life can be an uphill battle, but it’s not impossible. Knowing how will put you on your way.
Pals Program: Promoting Amputee Life Skills
PALS is an online 8-lesson program designed to develop skills to improve the quality of life for people who have lost a limb.
It covers a variety of topics such as Self-Management, Managing Emotions, Being Healthy, Building the Life You Want, and Managing Setbacks.
LLED: Limb Loss Education Days
Education + Advocacy + ACTIVITY
LLED is an Amputee Coalition program designed to energize people interested in learning more about living well with limb loss. Designed for patients, family, friends, and caregivers.
Email: LLED@amputee-coalition.org
Advanced Gait Training for Lower Extremity Amputees
Led by East Coast Orthotic & Prosthetic Corp.
This program is geared to assist prosthetic patients in meeting their strength, flexibility, and fitness goals, by improving their walking and running while helping them to better understand prosthetics.
Email: stephanie.yurasek@ec-op.com
Phone: 914-789-2740
Stay Active
Taking care of physical and mental health is important, now more than ever. Staying active is the best way to achieve both.
Adaptive Sports at the Oval Park
PM & R Residents have a robust group of volunteers that lead adaptive sports events every 1st Saturday of the month adapted to all ages and functional levels.
Enjoy yoga, tennis, rowing, Zumba, wheelchair basketball, and much more.
Email: adaptive-sports@montefiore.org
Phone: 929-285-4493
Move Online
Resources:
Discover how adaptive sports help youth, wounded warriors and adults with disabilities live happier, healthier lives.
This support organization provides a safe environment for individuals missing both arms or upper and lower limbs to connect in person.
Be Strong
Inspiration can come from many different places, including learning more about your condition, hearing stories from peers, or taking a deeper dive into significant events that have taken place in your community. Explore the various media below for your personal inspiration.
Websites
I’mPossible
International Paralympic Committee
I’mPOSSIBLE aims to challenge and change the perceptions of how young people perceive people with an impairment
Life with Reggie Showers
Motivational Speaker
Son of God, dad, amputee snowboarder, burn survivor, pilot, motorcycle drag racer, mentor, adventurer, public speaker, humanitarian, lover of people!
Movies
YouTube Series
One Arm Between Us
Hanger Channel Series
One Arm Between Us (OABU) is an ongoing YouTube series, where Hanger Clinic Community Care Coordinators Cameron Clapp and Pedro Pimenta answer viewer-submitted questions, share their experiences as amputees, and discuss issues that affect the limb loss and limb difference community as well as those facing mobility challenges.
TED Talks
Living Beyond Limits
by Amy Purdy
When she was 19, Amy Purdy lost both her legs below the knee. And now… she's a pro snowboarder (and a killer competitor on "Dancing with the Stars"!). In this powerful talk, she shows us how to draw inspiration from life's obstacles.
Courage in the Storm
by Stephanie Decker
Stephanie Decker discusses how she overcame what seemed to be an insurmountable obstacle when parts of both of her legs were amputated after a category 4 tornado hit her hometown.