Limbs for Life Foundation
218 East Main
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Office: 405-605-5462 • Fax: 405-843-5123
Toll free: 888-235-5462
www.limbsforlife.org
July 29, 2011 CONTACT: Shauna Gerlach, Public Relations Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE sgerlach@limbsforlife.org, (405) 602-6071
Limbs for Life Foundation
Determined to walk!
OKLAHOMA CITY (July 29, 2011) – In January 1973 due to a tragic car accident, Mr. William Collins found himself at a crossroad in life at the young age of fifteen. He was crushed between two cars severing his right leg at the scene and causing him to need surgery on his left leg. Even after major surgery on his left leg and spending six months in the Chicago Hospital, it still is bowed and causes him pain daily. As everyone knows the teen years are hard to get through. For William in addition to the struggles that any teenager faces he also had to figure out how to deal with healing from the accident, physical therapy for a year as well as wearing braces on his left leg and using a cane to even be able to walk. “I knew it was going to be difficult, but I told myself I would get through it and I did.”
William told me he found support through family and friends as he went through surgery, therapy and learned how to walk with a prosthetic limb. He also informed me that his prosthetist from Hanger went above and beyond the call of duty by visiting him in his home to fit and adjust his prosthetic limb. The prosthetist’s passion for ensuring William’s limb was enabling him to enjoy life made an impact on him that cannot be put into words.
Once he reached adulthood he became a draftsman, then construction inspector, and finally permit coordinator for the Chicago Parks District. He loved his job and the satisfaction he got once a job was complete and he could see it with his own eyes as well as show it to those he is close to. As we spoke he said, “Nothing has nor never will hold me down.” William’s determination was evident throughout our conversation as he spoke about the difficulties he faced in school and later in the profession he chose. He made it clear he wanted to be able to contribute to society and provide for his family; which is only possible if he has a fully functional prosthetic.”I want to work in construction again. Office duties would be my only option at this point due to the arthritis pain causing additional mobility issues, but I would love to be able to hold an office position.” “It would be nice to just be able to go for a walk around the block with my daughter without the fear of possibly falling down due to the prosthetic I must use being so old.”
He like many other amputees, understand when you get a functioning prosthetic, “It gives you your dignity back.” When William finds someone to help him so he can go to the store or many other errands we take for granted being able to do, “People stare at me as I struggle with my old prosthetic and it of course makes me uncomfortable.” It will be a day to celebrate once William is able to be fitted for his new limb. Limbs for Life Foundation hopes to be able to help more amputees as well as do so more efficiently as we gain more awareness and support through the generosity of those who feel led to help amputees who want their independence back. There are 1.7 million individuals in the United States currently living with limb loss which makes the ever growing need to help amputees get their life back crystal clear. Our mission is to as William and other amputees have said, “Give amputees their life and dignity back.” It is our privilege to provide prosthetics to those in need and we will never stop seeking to help more amputees so they can do what they want which is give back; whether it be to their family, society, another amputee in need of emotional support or a combination of ways they want to give.
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CONTACT: For more information about this story, contact Shauna Gerlach, Public Relations Director for Limbs for Life Foundation @ (405) 602-6071 or sgerlach@limbsforlife.org.
ABOUT US: The Limbs for Life Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All donations are tax exempt as provided in section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. These generous gifts go directly toward funding prosthetic devices for amputees nationwide who cannot otherwise afford one. We have developed a variety of gift programs for donors to consider. Gifts may be made through various trusts, gifts annuities, cash, marketable securities and other opportunities. We strive to create Miracles in Motion: Individuals and families transformed by the art and science of modern prosthetics. Whether it’s a child born without an arm, a senior who loses their leg to diabetes or a veteran of war, contributions to Limbs for Life will allow someone special to live again.
