inMotion Magazine

Living Well 43 Al dedicated many years of service to his profession, as well as his patients. He was president of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) and later chairman of the National Office Council of the Academy, which included oversight of three main organizations of the field: Education (AAOP), Business (AOPA – American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association) and Certification (ABC – American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics). As chairman of an AAOP meeting, Al invited me and other consumers to present their viewpoints and experiences at an educational program for orthotists and prosthetists. It was the first meeting ever where there was an exchange among support group representatives and professionals from across the country. Following that program, I acted as liaison between the Academy and consumer leadership to continue informal meetings under the auspices of the AAOP meeting. That role of consumer liaison to AAOP was later formalized by Al’s successors, John Michael, Mike Schuch, and Don Holmes. With each support group leader paying their own expenses, we spent two years developing a charter, structure, publication and peer training materials for what would eventually become the Amputee Coalition. In 1989 we became an official 501(c)(3) organization, with a mission of outreach, education and empowerment of people with limb loss. Advocacy was added to the mission in the 1990s when lobbying for access and funding for necessary care became necessary. When the Amputee Coalition held its first annual meeting, Al volunteered to coordinate the exhibits and encouraged other prosthetic companies to participate as exhibitors. He was part of a small group who provided financial support to the Amputee Coalition. He was in step with the Coalition leadership, who recognized that if consumers get information about available options, their participation in decision- making would result in better outcomes for patients and professionals. He volunteered countless hours as a professional liaison to the Amputee Coalition board of directors. In appreciation for his commitment to amputees, Al was one of the first recipients of the Amputee Coalition Professional Achievement Award. Al was a trailblazer who promoted peer support and education throughout his entire career. His legacy will live on in all those he helped and those who continue to benefit from the Amputee Coalition. Al will be missed by his wife Carol Ann Pike, his family, friends, colleagues and patients.