Spotlight on Nonprofits
Books that matter Keep the Legs You Stand On
Photo of Josh Gibson: Courtesy of Limbs for Life Foundation
Limbs for Life Foundation changes lives through prosthetic assistance J osh Gibson was born without a femur bone, necessitating the amputation of both his legs by the time he was 2 years old. “I never knew what it was like to have my legs so it doesn’t and never has felt like I have a disability,” Josh says. With appropriate prosthetic care, amputees like Josh can feel hopeful and empowered instead of disabled. Though Josh has always played sports and was involved in all of the activities the other kids he knew took part in, he sometimes felt unable to achieve the same performance levels as other kids due to dealing with the challenges of wearing prosthetic devices. Support from family, friends and his high school baseball coach to continue pressing onward encouraged him. The support of those who care for them, along with quality prosthetic care, is of utmost importance to amputees. As an adult, Josh is now able to enjoy all of his favorite activities, such as fishing, golfing and noodling. He is also able to attend and take an active role at his children’s sporting events and spend quality time with his family. Unfortunately, if
by Dr. Mark Hinkes, DPM In this book, Dr. Hinkes discusses the risks of amputation in people with diabetes and ways to prevent it. This book is especially relevant to amputees who’ve already lost one foot or leg to diabetes and are especially at risk for losing their remaining foot or leg unless they take steps to protect it now. Dr. Hinkes’ expert advice could help amputee patients save their remaining limb and perhaps their life. For more information about this book or to purchase it, visit amputationpreventionpartners. com.
Sara is ten years old. She tells the story of how her grown up friend is very sick and medicines don’t seem to help her too much. Her foot is bandaged and she can’t get around without the help of a wheelchair and crutches. Sara is saddened to see her friend in pain. Her friend must go to the hospital to have a special operation, called and amputation to cure her illness. This is no ordinary or easy operation and though her life will be forever changed, she will inspire a positive way of thinking in those around her with the greatest gifts one can have- laughter and friendship. A note from the author: Please use this book as a tool to engage children in a discussion about what can happen during illness, treatment and recovery. Sometimes the most difficult medical choices can bring about the healing of not only one’s body but one’s inner self as well. One’s life can be just a fulfilling after an amputation as it was before and a good sense of humor IS the best medicine of all. My very good friend handled her own amputation in this way and I hope that her story will inspire those who may experience this life changing situation.
he didn’t have access to fully functioning prosthetic limbs, doing these things he loves would not be possible. Limbs for Life, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides prosthetic devices for amputees who cannot otherwise afford them, has helped Josh with his prosthetic care and strives to help other qualifying amputees as well. “We are overjoyed that due to quality prosthetic care, a strong family man is able to be all he wants to be and share in all the things he desires to be a part of for his family,” says Limbs for Life. “We strive to create Miracles in Motion: Individuals and families transformed by the art and science of modern prosthetics.” For more information, visit www.limbsforlife.org.
Boo-Boo’s New Leg: A True Story of Illness, Acceptance, and Healing
by Mary Garcia This beautifully illustrated children’s book gives readers, young and old, the opportunity to learn about amputation and amputees. When her older friend has an amputation, 10-year-old Sara learns valuable lessons, which she passes on to the reader. For more information about this book or to purchase it, visit marygarciabooks.com or booboosnewleg.wordpress.com.
Stand Up: I Lost My Leg To Cancer Not My Dream
by Scott Odom The founder of AMP1 Stand Up Amputee Basketball tells his amazing story of overcoming cancer and pursuing his dream. For more information about AMP1 Stand Up Amputee Basketball or to purchase the book, visit amp1basketball.com.
March/April 2012 Amp it up! magazine
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