Every day, more than 500 people in the United States lose a limb due to trauma, infection, diabetes, cancer and other diseases, making the amputee population roughly 1.9 million Americans. That is a pretty significant number.
April is Limb Loss Awareness Month. Limb Loss Awareness Month began in 2011 by the Amputee Coalition to provide support for individuals and caregivers within the amputee community, to provide education to this community and to raise public awareness about limb loss. The Coalition also provides information about limb loss prevention to people who are at high risk, such as people with diabetes or peripheral artery disease. Limb Loss Awareness Month is an opportunity for individuals within the community to discuss the quality of life and other issues pertaining to limb loss.
In 2012, a year after it was established, 40 states, as well as President Barack Obama, had recognized Limb Loss Awareness Month.
A year after that, the Amputee Coalition launched Show Your Mettle Day for the last Saturday in April, which was recognized this year on April 25. Show Your Mettle Day encourages amputees to display their strength of character by showing their prosthetic devices and wheelchairs visibly to the public.
The Amputee Coalition is asking for amputees to post photos of themselves wearing their prosthesis to their Facebook Page. While you’re at it, post them to Knit-Rite’s site, as well! We also want to hear about special events in your area that are connected to Limb Loss Awareness Month or Show Your Mettle Day. Here are a few we’re aware of:
Limb Loss Awareness Event
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
SSM Day Institute
1001 S. Kirkwood Rd. Suite 150, Kirkwood, MO 63122
SSM Day Institute is hosting a Limb Loss Awareness Event at their Outpatient Day Therapy program for amputees and their families.
Limb Loss Awareness Month Charity Walk
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
330 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria, VA
American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) will hold a lunchtime walk to raise awareness and funds for the Amputee Coalition’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp.
To conclude Limb Loss Awareness Month, the Amputee Coalition will also be partnering with Össur and the Challenged Athletes Foundation to hold a Limb Loss Education Day/Mobility Clinic in Washington, DC on May 2, 2015.
Knit Rite 