Camp

I had the privilege to spend last week with 31 campers and a crew of other volunteers at Adventure Amputee Camp. We descended, actually ascended, onto the Nantahala Outdoor Center in full force on Wednesday and hit the ground running. The campers were kids from all over, though mostly Georgia and Tennessee, with amputations ranging from one amputated finger to triple limb amputations. Some of the kids were born with these amputations, while others suffered in accidents or had cancer or other diseases. I honestly don’t know all of their stories, but I do know that they are all still kids, most with an extra dose of courage and resolve. I watched in awe as most of the campers tackled such challenges as whitewater rafting, ropes course climbing, and waterskiing. They found themselves last week in an environment where they were not the only ones with an amputation (as most of them are in school and at home) and where everyone around them accepted them for who they are as a person. It was heart-wrenching to hear some of them say that even their families don’t treat them as well as they are treated at camp. As a future prosthetist, it was also amazing to see how hard the kids were on their prosthetic limbs. If you have spent any time around kids, you know they can break, ruin, or just wear out anything you give them. The fact that something is expensive and custom-made makes no difference to them when they want to run, jump, and play. I will certainly keep this in mind when I am faced with making prosthetic limbs for active kids or even adults. Being with those kids and also the several volunteers with amputations reminded me of why I changed careers. I already have and will continue to have the opportunity to meet people and their families who inspire me and who I can help to get back on their feet or live more comfortably. Honestly, I almost have to pinch myself every now and then when I realize how much fun I am having in this new profession – and I’m not even getting paid yet! Here are a few pictures from camp: