inMotion Magazine

Strong 5 One area in 2020 where you’ll see us be strong is in public policy. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we don’t and can’t get involved in politics and elections. Instead, we focus our efforts on educating Members of Congress and other policy makers about the needs of people living with limb loss and limb difference, and how the federal government can support the community’s needs. From April 26–29, public policy advocates from our community will be in Washington, D.C. for the Amputee Coalition’s Advocacy Forum to learn and to share issues critical for our community, and meet with their Members of Congress to inform and ask for support. From improving care to research funding, hundreds of our community’s advocates will be on Capitol Hill having their voices be heard. Having an expert and active voice in matters that affect how laws are made and policies developed makes our advocates and our entire community strong. If you’re not already on our email list, please go to our website (amputee-coalition.org ) and sign up, so you can receive updates on issues that affect us and how you can advocate from home. Our public policy agenda for 2020 and 2021 is based on what you’ve told us your needs are, and we plan to focus on initiatives that are specific, actionable, and trackable. Our new public policy team is focused on results when it comes to access to much-needed clinical care, as well as support for advancing research and innovation to prevent limb loss and improve the lives of people living with limb loss and limb difference. Continuing the theme of STRONG and having your voice be heard, in this issue we talk to body-positive blogger Toni Furmanski about what health and wellness and feeling strong means to her, as an amputee and fashion enthusiast. We also provide information about our National Conference, taking place in Washington, DC in August, where attendees can meet others in our community, learn new things, and feel strong in body and mind. We’ve got an article from Dr. Colby Hansen about residual limb sweating, and we talk about Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month , which we recognize in April. We asked our Facebook community what the word STRONG means to them, and we share their answers on page 16. Here at the Amputee Coalition, we hope you join us in this feeling of springtime renewal, and the hope and forward-looking momentum it brings. We want to provide education, support, resources, and information that can help you redefine the word STRONG. We want you to be able to embrace what that word means to you, and help others see it in themselves, too. I hope this season of spring brings you joy and warmth. Mary Richards, President and CEO, Amputee Coalition By Mary Richards, President and CEO PRESIDENT AND CEO SPRING Photo by Heather Ford on Unsplash