I am a 4-time Cancer Survivor, Hepatitis C survivor, and chose to have an elective amputation of my right leg in 2015 after 30+ surgeries stemming from a MVA which killed my boyfriend in 1981.

My decision to have my leg amputated in 2015 transformed my life. My leg was an obstacle, a prosthesis an opportunity. And my Prosthetist, Dave Rotter, helped make that opportunity reality.

My most visible challenge (becoming an amputee and using a prosthesis) has ironically not been my biggest challenge. I left an abusive marriage amidst limb salvage surgeries 10+ years ago. I have 4 children, and leaving my marriage was the most courageous thing I have ever done. But the destructive relationship I left helped me find the courage I needed just a couple years later to leave my leg behind in hopes of a better life. So many opportunities have opened up to me since my amputation because I’ve worked hard to recover, reached out for help when I needed it, showed up, and been available and open to life!

Many, many, family and friends helped me on my journey. I am thankful to all of them for helping me reinvent my life.