Holiday Hustle 5K & Year End Campaign

Amputee Blade Runners is teaming up with the Donelson Run Club & the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce for the Holiday Hustle 5K on December 7, 2024 at 1pm. ABR is embracing this event to celebrate activity and community. Several lead donors have stepped up and have created a pool of matching funds. All gifts will be matched up to a total of $40,000.

Disabilities can lead to inactive lifestyles that are detrimental to long term health. Adults with disabilities have higher rates of obesity (38.2%), heart disease (11.5%) and diabetes (16.3%). Youth with disabilities are 40% more likely to be obese. Data from Healthy People 2010 suggests that 56% of adults with a disability reported no leisure-time physical activity, compared to 36% of people without a disability. The National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability says that physical activity does not only improve children’s physical health but benefits them academically, emotionally and socially, as well.

Unfortunately, sports prostheses are not feasible for many families.

● The typical cost ranges from $10,000 - $30,000 - a significant barrier for most, particularly for children, who often outgrow their prostheses in 12-18 months.
● Because 80% of amputations performed in the US are for elderly patients, insurance companies do not prioritize children or young adults with limb loss.
● Most insurance plans deem sports/running prosthesis as “medically unnecessary” and offer no coverage.

ABR provides running/sports legs to active amputees for FREE, giving them a chance to reimagine what is possible in sports and in life. ABR is primarily volunteer driven, providing prosthetic equipment, education, and empowerment to approximately 150 individuals every year. We are able to keep costs to approximately $3,500 per new athlete served, and $2,000 per exisiting athlete.

We hope the stories we share 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 lower-limb amputee athletes throughout the US.

Lucas

Lucas has been part of the ABR family since 2018. Born in China with congenital limb differences in both legs, Lucas had amputations in the US after his adoption. Lucas is a natural athlete who has excelled in martial arts, swimming, sled hockey, and track, where he has competed on three continents. 

Jeff

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 recently ran the Chicago Marathon.

Brent

Brent is one of ABR's OG athletes. Brent had an injury as a child that led to an infection in his leg. After DECADES of surgeries to try to clear up the problems associated with that infection he had his right leg amputated below the knee. Brent's got a big heart and a strong motor. You name it, he's done it: Ragnar Relay, plenty (regular and ultra); CrossFit, every week; bike from East to West Tennessee, check. Brent serves as the CEO of Birth Choice, a nonprofit he founded in Jackson, TN.

Kaytlin

Kaytlin is one of ABR's newest athletes. After an accident several years ago, she underwent multiple surgeries aimed at limb salvage. Unfortunately, the surgeries were unsuccessful and last year she had a below knee amputation. She came to ABR in October, 2024 for the first time and received a brand new sports leg. She is hoping to move from the sidelines to the basketball court and softball field with her newfound mobility.

Chloe

Chloe is another one of ABR's newer athletes. A Middle Tennessee native, Chloe's left leg started giving her problems many years ago. After years of tests, evaluation, and treatment, Chloe's leg was amputated below the knee as a result of an extremely rare tumor. Now in high school, Chloe is looking forward to doing all the things she had to put on hold for the past several years, including running, dancing, and riding bikes.