Much like everyone else, there has been a journey that has led me to where I am today. However, I like to think my story is unique in its own way. But ultimately, this is because, like all journeys, mine has a special source of inspiration that speaks to me, and today, I would like to share my inspiration with you. My inspiration is a large part of what fuels my passion for working with such an incredible group of people.
As always, if you have questions, comments, or ideas for any portion of this site, including the blog, please send them my way! Your input is valued, and my desire is for this site to be as informative and fun as possible! I want everyone to learn and grow their understanding of the journey, challenges, and experiences faced by individuals with limb loss and prosthetics devices and to also gain a better understanding of OT and how the two relate!!
Now let’s jump in and become inspired!
I have a cousin that was diagnosed with Stage 2b Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma in 2010. At the time, I had just finished my freshman year of high school, and he was only 11 years old. At such a young age, he received life-changing news. Previous to his diagnosis, he had always been such a positive and strong boy, and because of this, we all knew he was set on this path to make a difference. We lived several states apart and were not able to see each other all that often, but social media and family phone calls kept us up to date and allowed us to support him and his family as much as possible. It was definitely not an easy journey, but one that I think further emphasizes the need for strong support systems.
As just an early adolescent boy, he underwent 30 weeks of 6 kinds of chemo… in only one year! He received his diagnosis, underwent chemo, and within 3 months had to have an above knee amputation, followed by 3 more months of surgeries and procedures due to infection and other complications. That is so much on a young boy’s body. These are things that are still difficult for me to fully wrap my head around.
It’s hard to believe that only 18 months after his diagnosis, and a few short months after all of the hospitalizing complications, he was able to come to town for Thanksgiving. At this point, he had his prosthetic leg but was still your typical ‘boy.’ Most of the days he was in town, he spent playing outside alongside my large family. We ran around the yard playing capture the flag. We played basketball in the driveway and all kinds of other games that required physical activity. And you best believe he was right there in on the action every single time!! Luckily, his diagnosis and his prosthesis did not stop him from being a kid. He even went on to join the football, basketball, golf, and swim teams throughout his school years, setting records and winning titles in many of these games, tournaments, and meets. Not to mention, he has been biking, canoeing, driving, you name it, and this boy has probably done it!
There were definitely hard days; I don’t want to overshadow that. There were days of weakness and uncertainty, but his positive outlook outshined those hard times! I still remember hearing stories about how one day his sibling got mad and threw his crutches off the front porch (I am sure he paid them back for this later), and another time he was so upset that he took his leg and threw it at the therapists. These were moments of frustration when it might seem like there is no point in continuing to fight. But his actions following these moments always showed his true determination and strength. He truly is the definition of someone who sees their ability and not their disability. He, his family, and his friends are all so incredible! Throughout his journey, their motto was “There is a way, or we will make one.” Nothing was going to stand in the way of him being a ‘normal’ kid and growing up to reach his full potential.
He embraced the journey as much as one can when they hear the words “you have cancer.” Despite hearing that life-altering sentence, he has proven how much one can accomplish while experiencing such hardships. Still to this day, his life is not easy, having had numerous surgeries and procedures, and several more scans. Each day seems to present him with new obstacles, but he always overcomes and because of this, he is an inspiration to me, and I hope to you too... he shows us all that it is possible!
Stay tuned for the story told by my cousin, Andrew, himself, and his mother! The goal is for his story to spread hope, inspiration, and awareness to all who read it!
Lastly, I want to present each and every one of you with a challenge - take a step in the right direction… let me be a part of your support team, and let’s face this together! Subscribe to my newsletter, fill out the feedback box, and feel free to email me!
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