I am a 4-time Cancer Survivor, Hepatitis C survivor, and amputee. I chose to have an elective amputation of my right leg in 2015 after 30+ surgeries, which stemmed from my first (and last) ride on a motorcycle 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 (using a prosthesis) has not been my biggest challenge. I left an abusive marriage amidst limb salvage surgeries 10+ years ago. Leaving my marriage was the most courageous thing I have ever done. I have 4 children. We had a very comfortable life.

But the destructive relationship I left behind helped me find the courage I needed to leave my leg behind and have an elective amputation in 2015 in hopes of a better life. I resolved to be an example to my children of what is possible after devastating circumstances. I worked and still work hard daily to recover, reached out for help when I needed it, showed up and was open to life! Many opportunities opened up to me after my amputation and I embraced them - new career, sailing, adaptive golf, mentoring others with limb difference, etc. Not the life I envisioned for myself when I was younger. But the best life I can live now in this moment :)

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