inMotion Magazine

Finding Connections 45 I called “Forrest Stump.” My goal was to raise awareness of these inequities and advocate for raising the standard of care for all amputees. Halfway down the coast, my prosthetic foot broke – a foot that was supposed to last three years had already broken in nine months – epitomizing the very reason I set out to show the difficulties amputees face in obtaining proper technology and care. Fortunately, Endolite came to the rescue and donated a new foot. And I kept going. At the end of my journey, I was granted my very own running blade by Össur, the Challenged Athletes Foundation, Microsoft, and Cornerstone Prosthetics & Orthotics. Explaining what it means to finally have access to this technology after 16 years as an amputee is hard to put into words. Receiving this leg was not my goal for Forrest Stump, but I was in tears with gratitude. Still, I knew that no amputee should have to go to this length to prove they deserve access to a limb. That’s why I’ve shifted my efforts to telling my story and advocating for policy change in Washington, D.C. I flew to D.C. to attend the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association ’s (AOPA) annual policy forum in March and returned a month later for the Amputee Coalition’s Hill Day in April. In both instances, I learned about important legislation affecting the O&P community and met with members of Congress from my home state of Washington to tell my story. These empowering experiences opened my eyes to an enormous hole that needs to be filled: more advocates! We need more amputees to take their stories to the streets, meet with our elected officials, and advocate on behalf of legislation that affects our community. Change doesn’t happen overnight, so it’s critical that all our voices are heard, again and again. Thanks to the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics (NAAOP), I’m going to be able to do just that. I’m now in D.C. for 10 weeks as their inaugural health policy and advocacy fellow. Throughout the summer, I’ll learn orthotic and prosthetic policy, advocacy and how the NAAOP and other O&P organizations function on behalf of O&P and within the broader rehabilitation/disability policy and advocacy community at federal and state levels. This is an incredible opportunity to learn and help set a foundation for this fellowship for years to come. I’m also founding Forrest Stump as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy organization and working to finish our documentary film, 1,500 Miles to show the lengths amputees must go to receive proper technology and care. My goal is to take our film on the road to meet with policymakers and healthcare providers to continue to raise awareness and advocate for change. We all have the ability to make a difference. The question you must ask yourself is whether you feel the responsibility to use your ability to make a difference. It is our collective voice that is the strongest. This isn’t something that can be done alone. Your story matters and we need your help. Together, I believe we can help raise the standard of care for all amputees, and use our strength in unity to create the largest movement in American history for mobility rights. Let’s get started. You can contact Nicole at: Nicole@forreststump.org . Nontoxic & 100% Natural Soothes, Cleans & Deodorizes Safe for inflamed, sensitive skin Certified Organic Ingredients www.stumpcare.com Prosthesis Liner Spray Soothing Stump Rub Soothing Stump Wash p a i n i r r i t a t i o n i n f e c t i o n