Shared from inMotion | Volume 28, Issue 5 | September/October 2018, Page 11
by Karin Williamson
When we were 20 weeks pregnant with our second child, a routine ultrasound found that the baby was missing his fibula bone and his right leg was 30 percent shorter than the left. Doctors had no answers for all of our questions. No one knew what it was, what was wrong, or if anything else was affected. We were referred to specialists, but it was by searching Google that I found the most information about fibular hemimelia. Everywhere I looked, I kept seeing the same answer: amputation. I was devastated, angry and incredibly worried for our baby. If I only knew then what I know now…
When Jack was 10 months old, we elected to amputate his right leg above the ankle. In our minds, the decision wasn’t difficult. We knew this would give him the best chance to live a normal life. On Jack’s first birthday he received his first prosthetic leg, and he has continued to amaze us ever since. Now, at age 6, Jack has had four surgeries and 12 prosthetic legs – but he also plays soccer and baseball, runs track and swims, living his life to the fullest. And he’s done it with the biggest, most contagious smile on his face! What sets Jack apart is his attitude, drive and determination in everything that he does. We started calling him “Jack Attack” at an early age because of his fighting spirit. There isn’t a sport that he doesn’t love!
This road hasn’t always been easy, but one thing is for sure: we have never treated Jack like he is disabled. We believe it’s important to network and learn from others. From Facebook groups to Paralympic track meets to amputee camps, we stay as active and involved as possible, and love to meet others just like Jack!
There are a lot of adjectives to describe Jack – strong, brave, courageous, stubborn and very independent! He is a great example of a “Don’t stop me now” attitude. He’s been through so much, and yet, he’s the one who is teaching us. We love him for everything that he is, and wouldn’t change a thing. We are excited to see what his future holds. His “can-do” attitude is an inspiration for our family and our community. Nothing will stop him!
Who is your amputee hero, and why?
Whether they’re an amputee or not, the special person who inspires you to live well with limb loss can be a relative, a friend or someone you’ve never met. We invite you to send us an article (250 to 350 words) for consideration to be included in inMotion.
Email articles to:
editor@amputee-coalition.org
©2018 Amputee Coalition LLC | Amputee-coalition.org | 888-267-5669
Published in inMotion, Volume 28, Issue 5 | September/October 2018, Page 11
