Resilience, Advocacy, and Giving Back

by Laurie White

Life has a way of testing us. From being shot in the line of duty in 1998, losing my lower right leg, returning to operational policing, and battling PTSD to becoming a speaker on resilience, mental health, and living with a disability—my journey is one of both perseverance and purpose. Even after retiring from the RCMP in 2020 and publishing my memoir, 10-33 An Officer Down Steps Back Up, life continued to present hurdles, including a melanoma diagnosis in 2024 and a severe femur fracture requiring surgery. Yet, through every challenge, my commitment to advocacy, giving back, and being a role model for others remains steadfast.

A Defining Moment

In 1998, at 28 years old, my life changed in an instant. I heard my partner say the police radio code every officer dreads — “10-33.” It means “officer down,” and that officer was me.

Shot while executing a search warrant at the home of an alleged sex offender, I suffered an injury that led to the amputation of my lower right leg. The physical pain was immense, but the mental and emotional toll was just as significant. Soon, diagnosed with PTSD, I faced not only the trauma of that day but also the uncertainty of my future.

Determined to reclaim my life, I pushed myself through intensive rehabilitation, was fitted with a prosthetic leg, and defied expectations by returning to operational policing just ten months post-amputation. That return wasn’t about proving others wrong—it was about proving something to myself. It was about reclaiming my identity, my purpose, and my belief in what was possible.

The Power of Story-Sharing

As I rebuilt my life, I found a passion for sharing my story. At first, I wasn’t sure what people would want to hear. But I quickly realized that, while circumstances vary, emotions connect us. The challenges I faced resonated with others in ways I never expected. Story-sharing is one of the most powerful forms of human connection, and I became committed to using my experiences to inspire others to push through adversity and find strength and meaning in their struggles. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about adapting, learning, and finding new ways to move forward. Through my speaking engagements, I don’t just recount my experiences; I aim to empower audiences to see their own resilience, their own strength, and their own ability to persevere.

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Advocacy in a New Chapter

Publishing my memoir allowed me to reach even more people. It was a deeply personal achievement, but more importantly, it became a tool to help others see that no matter how dire circumstances may seem, there is always a way forward. Retirement from the RCMP in 2020 didn’t mark the end of my mission—it marked a new chapter in advocacy and mentorship. Then, life threw me another test. In 2023, I was concerned with a mole on my back and had the opportunity to have it checked at the Mole Mobile. That check revealed nothing concerning, but months later, that same mole began bleeding. A check at the Skin Cancer Clinic resulted in three biopsies, including two locations which had not previously been concerning. Two biopsies, including the back mole, were negative. However, I was shocked when one on my left leg was diagnosed as invasive melanoma.

Despite being sun-conscious as an adult, my fair skin and childhood sun exposure had caught up with me. Thankfully, early detection led to successful surgery with clear margins, but the experience was a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability.

Rather than dwelling on fear and uncertainty, I chose to use my experience to help others. I became a Sun Guardian for Melanoma Canada, advocating for skin cancer awareness and the importance of regular skin checks. My diagnosis not only changed my perspective but also prompted my family members to get checked— leading to my mother’s early melanoma diagnosis. This reinforced what I already knew: awareness and early intervention save lives.

Another Setback, Another Lesson

As I began to move past the stress of melanoma, another challenge emerged—a severe femur fracture on my amputated side, requiring ORIF (open reduction and internal fixation) surgery. Suddenly, I found myself unable to walk, drive, or maintain the independence I had fought so hard to preserve.

For someone who prided herself on resilience, this forced dependence was mentally and emotionally taxing. But it also reinforced something crucial—the importance of accepting help, leaning on support systems, and recognizing that resilience isn’t just about pushing through alone. As I now await another surgery to remove hardware from my femur and a fourth biopsy for a newly identified skin spot, I remain focused on recovery and advocacy.

Turning Adversity into Purpose

My life has been defined by adversity, but more importantly, by the decision to keep pushing forward. As a young amputee and police officer, I learned to trust my instincts and advocate for what is reasonable and just in both medical and professional spaces. That commitment to advocacy has only grown—not just for first responders with PTSD or individuals with disabilities, but now also for cancer awareness. Each of us can turn our struggles into opportunities to educate, inspire, and uplift others. Together, we can drive positive change, improving policies, services, and care for those who come after us.

Resilience isn’t about never falling. It’s about rising—again and again. It’s not about a singular comeback but about continually emerging stronger, growing through each setback, and refusing to let challenges define us. It is, most certainly, a practice. Giving back is the most meaningful way to channel adversity into purpose. I want people to see that no matter how dark things may seem, there is always a way forward. Through resilience, advocacy, and a commitment to giving back, we can turn our struggles into sources of strength— not just for ourselves but for those walking a similar path.

As I navigate my own challenges, I hold onto the words of Lao Tzu: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” served in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police from 1996 to 2020, when she retired as a sergeant. In 1998, she survived a gunshot wound, but her injury resulted in a right lower leg amputation. She has received several awards, including the prestigious Governor General's Meritorious Service Medal, the Medal of Valour from the International Association of Women Police and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Laurie is the author of 10-33 An Officer Down Steps Back Up 1033-Officer-Down-Steps-Back, and she is a sought-after speaker. She is a graduate of Brock University and the University of Ottawa, as well as the RCMP Training Academy ("Depot").

Laurie can be contacted at lawhite2023@gmail.com or on LinkedIn.