The Amputee Coalition invites amputees to “show their mettle” by “showing their metal” – wearing their prosthesis in public and posting a photo to the Amputee Coalition Facebook page – on April 25 to celebrate Limb Loss Awareness Month.
“We hope that all amputees will proudly wear their prosthetic devices on this day,” Dan Berschinski, Amputee Coalition board chair, stated in a press release. “The concept is simple – to show your ‘mettle,’ the ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient ways by those with limb loss showing their ‘metal’ prosthetic device or wheelchair. We are also encouraging all amputees, depending on their comfort level, to post photos of themselves wearing their prosthesis or just living their daily lives if they do not use an assistive device on our Show Your Mettle for Limb Loss Awareness Month event page on Facebook throughout April.”
During April across the United States, amputee support groups, veterans, prosthetists, rehabilitation centers and those with limb loss participate in a number of activities in their local areas to raise awareness.
“More than 2 million Americans live with limb loss, and that number grows by 185,000 each year,” Susan Stout, Amputee Coalition president and CEO, stated in the release. “Our goals for Limb Loss Awareness Month are to heighten public awareness about limb loss and increase people’s understanding of prevention – especially those most at risk.
“Limb loss is not uncommon and is becoming less uncommon every day,” Stout added. “Many people are unaware of the causes of amputation and often see limb loss in just a few categories: the wounded warrior or the accomplished athlete. The fact is, limb loss affects every generation, from young to old and people from all walks of life.”
Reference:
www.amputee-coalition.org/events-programs/limb-loss-awareness-month
