During April, AKA Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month (LLLDAM), we at Amputee Blade Runners will be sharing more about the incredible athletes we serve, our fantastic partners Fillauer, Ossur, & Vultee Charitable Foundation and opportunities for you to give and make a lasting impact.
We hope the stories we share this month about ABR and our athletes inspire you to partner with us. Your gift and sharing our story will help us redefine what's possible in sports and life for 17 lower-limb amputee athletes.
Jameson's Journey
When we approve a new pediatric applicant, we tell the child and their parent that we assume we will continue making sports legs for them throughout their childhood. Our hope is that by making an impact early, the child is always able to maintain pace with their friends and sports, rather than falling behind and needing to catch up. Jameson fits that bill perfectly, having become part of the ABR family when he was just beginning his primary education a few years ago. Jameson was born with a congenital condition called fibular hemimelia in both legs. This means he did not have all the bones in his lower legs and he had ankle disarticulation surgery at a very young age. He is now on his third set of ABR legs and is now training for his first 10K!
Jameson also made an excellent book, complete with illustration, on the ABR leg making process. Check it out here!
Greg snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. A lesser man might have settled just to walk. Greg didn't just want to hobble around. He overcame a traumatic injury and amputation and has gone on to run 20+ half marathons and a Boston qualifying marathon!
Aspen is a shining example of the importance of the right attitude. Yes, she lost her leg as a young child in an accident. No, that does not stop her from being able to be competitive in any and every sport she tries. As Alfred told Bruce Wayne, we fall down so that we can learn to pick oursleves up. Want to help us lift others up?
Hannah first came to ABR when she was 10. Born with congenital limb differences in both hands and feet, Hannah wanted to enjoy the same active lifestyle as her parents and siblings. Now, in highschool, Hannah is on Team USA's triathalon development team, and holds 2 national records.
Marilyn has been a prosthetic user for her entire walking life. It was not until after she was a wife and mother of three before she discovered ABR. In her ABR leg she has competed in half and full marathons, adventure races, and much more. She is also the perfect example of how providing a leg for one person can totally change the entire family dynamic.
Jeff Davis dealt with complications from an infection for years. In 2021, he had a below the knee amputation performed. He has dedicated himself to improving as an athlete, as well as helping others achieve their goals. Jeff is a triathlete and is training for his first full marathon as an amputee.
Pictured with Merilyn (whose story is a just above), is Gracelyn. Gracelyn has been working with Ryan Fann and Reform Prosthetics for several years. She was ready to make a deeper commitment to running and just received her first-ever running leg last month!
We have one more week of Limb Loss Awareness Month, and we could share so many stories about the incredible athletes who have been with ABR! Chad is an amazing example of perseverance and strength while pursuing difficult obstacles. It is through your donations and giving that we can support more athletes with lower limb loss so they can persevere to reach great accomplishments!
Irina discovered ABR through her friend and mentor, Sabrina, while at a NubAbility sports camp over 5 years ago. Amniotic Band Syndrome led to congenital differences in both her hands and leg. She is a basketball junkie who loves giving back through her work with ABR, NubAbility, and more!
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