I joined the UCLA adaptive sports program after three track skiing with one of their recreational therapists.  First, she introduced me to wheelchair basketball.  I played "fun practices" with the Fast Break'in Lakers at The Wooden Center. I had my behind kicked by those guys, but it was alot of fun and I had a really, really good night sleep for the first time in a long time. I have recently committed to The Lady Warriors/Los Angeles to play on an all female team. These are an amazing group of women. Ironically, I ran into them on a flight back from Dallas (after the Limbs for Life Fundraiser). I saw their sports chairs in the waiting area, but didn't think anything of it. Then, when I was pre-boarding behind them, I heard "JO?" and there before me was the entire Lady Warrior team. We happened to all be seated in the same couple of rows and talked all the way back to L.A. Directly next to me was the USA women's paralympic tennis champ. She was the most inspiring person I've spoken to in a long time and she's only 24.

Next, I joined the UCLA adaptive bike program.  The therapist asked if I had heard of recumbent bikes.  I vaguely recalled seeing one demo'd at the ACA Boston conference a few years back, but just never thought seriously about it (back then on 100 mg of Fent who thinks of anything seriously?) (-:

Anyway - she said, "Come down, I'll have a handcycle for you and you'll have a great time with the group." Well, she was right. I had a blast. We cycled from Marina del Rey to Manhattan Beach Pier and back (12 miles). It was the first time I handcycled. It wasn't easy, especially uphill, but I made it. I have strong upper body strength from all the crutching. But ouuuhhh, I was sore after (a happy sore, mind you!)

The bike UCLA loans me is far from state of the art, so I decided to check into purchasing a recumbent bike of my own. I have researched handcycles like the "Lightening"  to recumbent foot cycles like the Catrike - Trail, Road and Expedition.  Today I tested the Catrike Trail - and let me tell you - it was AMAZING!!! It has a foot pedal and when I first arrived for my demo, the bike shop owner said he didn't think I could manage a foot cycle being a hemi. I told him I thought I could - I had cycled on a stationary bike at the gym and on a tandem before. He was skeptical, but his assistant was all smiles when I wouldn't take "no" for an answer. The test drive went great - I was all smiles and so was the assistant.

These are expensive pieces of equipment and I want to make the right choice. Although I may one day want to join competitions, I think for now the beach path routes will do.  That being said (and if you all read this far): Do you have any suggestions? Have you experimented with recumbent bikes? What do you suggest? I have one good sturdy leg that I would like to keep fit, so a recumbent foot pedal sounds right. But, I can see the benefits of the handcycle too. Any thoughts? Thanks!

After reading one of my blog posts, Dan Lawrence, one of our very own Less Than Four members donated his old Venture prosthetic foot to The World Limb Bank through the "Limbs for Life" organization (www.limbsforlife.org).  Thank you Dan for your generosity!!! You helped someone get started on the right foot! (-:

Please look in your closet for any old, unused limbs OR ask your prosthetist if he/she has any parts sitting around. Someone who could not otherwise afford one might be using it right now and living a more productive, happy life as a result.  

Thank you on behalf of Limbs for Life.  "We aren't asking for much...just an arm and a leg!"

You will find an application to apply for prosthetic assistance (if you are in need) at: www.limbsforlife.org

I can hardly wear mine as a hemi-pelvectomy, but I am glad I have it when I need it for presentations and such. BKs and many AKs can do so much with theirs! If you can't afford one, apply! The Feb. 21 fundraiser I am working on in Dallas has the goal of providing 200 prosthetic limbs to amputees in need!

We're not asking for much...just an Arm and a Leg!

It's that time of year again. I am on the underwriting committee for Limbs for Life, a non-profit foundation that awards full prosthetic care to amputees who could not otherwise afford it.  Please consider -- donating your used prosthetic parts to the World Limb Bank, items that can be auctioned at the upcoming fundraiser, cash (if you can) or your time!!! Anything helps. If you would like to learn more about the Limbs for Life foundation or our upcoming fundraiser in Dallas - please contact me or open the following link: http://www.limbsforlife.org

Thank You!!!

How We Do It
Limbs for Life is capable of changing the lives of over 700 amputees per year on average. This is made possible through the cooperative efforts of many prosthetic facilities and their prosthetists, and the following programs at Limbs for Life: Prosthesis Fund, World Limb Bank, Therapy Network, and education through Public Speaking Engagements.

There are many pieces that must come together to create the whole picture of restoration for an amputee. We would not be able to see the amazing change in people's lives if it weren't for the network of dedicated prosthetists and physical therapists who donate their time, labor, and energy to help our patients. Their willingness to serve and passion to see people restored to health is invaluable to our organization!

Another piece of the puzzle that makes Limbs for Life such a success are those individuals who donate their used limbs to the World Limb Bank. With these used, but functional components, we are able to reach hundreds of amputees in developing countries such as Turkey, Mexico and Africa. Parts are shipped to qualified non-profit organizations that work in these countries and are able to build new limbs, very inexpensively, with the components we provide. Every donation made to our organization is used to benefit the life of an amputee, whether here in the United States or abroad.

Finally, the monetary donations from individuals, businesses, and corporations are the lifeline of our organization. We simply would not be able to meet the needs of so many people without generous donations to our Prosthesis Fund. Annually, we hold several fundraisers and benefits to raise awareness, as well as dollars. We simply cannot say enough about the kindness of our donors for volunteering their time, their money, and their constant support.

 Thank You!!!

Here is an inspirational story about Baby, a three-legged hero. She is a real survivor (with a little help from her friends!) and she is helping to shed some light on the inhumane treatment of dogs in puppymills. HAPPY 2009 EVERYONE!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1TFkreWV38