inMotion Magazine

Action 3 April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month! For many years, our community has come together to raise awareness during the month of April and educate others about living with limb loss and limb difference. While we will continue to focus on community and awareness, this year we are also adding in a little more action! Action is empowering during a time when we have had so little control over a pandemic. Self-advocacy is central to our mission at the Amputee Coalition, and we want to help you feel motivated to learn and work collaboratively on the things that will help you live the life you want to live. That’s why we’ve chosen ACTION as the theme for this issue of inMotion . In the pages that follow, you’ll read about taking action to help you communicate effectively with your care team and ensure health-care professionals listen to what you need. You’ll learn about how you can take action to improve your overall well-being. And, you’ll read stories about the ways some members of our community have taken action to build a life that is meaningful to them. Action also is integral to our mission at the Amputee Coalition. When people living with limb loss or limb difference need support, education, or resources, the National Limb Loss Resource Center springs into action to provide the most up-to-date, easy-to-understand information and referrals for assistance and support. We also offer volunteer opportunities for those who want to take action to help others. In March, we are hosting a virtual Volunteer Summit to provide training and networking opportunities for our Certified Peer Visitors and Support Group Leaders. On our website, you can learn more about how to set up a meeting to talk with a peer who has shared a similar experience. You also can ask about training to become a Certified Peer Visitor or request resources to learn how to start and run a support group. In April, we are hosting a virtual Advocacy Forum. If you’re interested in taking action to ensure federal and state laws and policies support the needs of our community, you can register on our website for the Forum and become an advocate. There are other advocacy activities on our website you can do to help educate lawmakers. Like many of you, I have been feeling cooped up this year and this winter, and I am looking forward to Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, our Volunteer Summit, and the Advocacy Forum to spend time (virtually) together. Along with taking action to help our community, I am also excited to enjoy the nicer weather Spring will bring to Washington, D.C. Spring also brings hope as more and more Americans are vaccinated against COVID-19. If you haven’t yet been vaccinated, consult your state and county health department websites to find out when you’re eligible and to find locations to receive the vaccine. We work in coalition with the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project here in Washington, D.C., and encourage you to check out covidvaccineproject.org/ countmein to read stories from people all across the country about why they chose to get vaccinated. As I write this, it’s sunny outside and the temperatures are getting warmer. This is the time of year many of us emerge from our winter cocoon and start to spend time outdoors with neighbors, friends, and family. While we may not yet be back together in person. we can still find ways to take action and make a difference for ourselves and our community. We’re here to support you and cheer you on! Mary Richards President and CEO Amputee Coalition MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO TAKE