The Easter season is one of hope, renewal and new beginnings. These are themes that run all through Bryan Anderson’s new book, “No Turning Back.” It is a personal memoir of this Iraq War veteran who in 2005 became that war’s fourth triple amputee from a roadside explosive. As his co-author, David Mack, has commented: “It was a tragedy that could break many, but Bryan transformed it into something positive, something that propelled him forward.”
Anderson’s book, which is available at the Cape May County Library, is a an inspiring read at any time, but particularly timely as we recognize National Limb Loss Awareness Month in April each year. This initiative is important to the limb loss community in its efforts to raise awareness of this disability, to help reintegrate new amputees, and get the message out that in many cases limb loss can be prevented.
In our own community, thanks largely to the vision of Audrey Smith, who advocated for a local amputee support group, and John McDonald, an individual who shared Audrey’s disability and enthusiasm, the Un-limb-ited Potential Support Group has been supporting the cause of Limb Loss Awareness since 2009. This support group for amputees and their families, is beginning its fourth year of monthly meetings and is the only gathering of its kind in our county.
A core of original members is still actively involved but the group’s upbeat, positive spirit easily makes all new members welcome. The group includes single and double amputees, some who use prosthetics and some who don’t. Attendance averages about 12 each month, and sometimes includes family members or caregivers. Fare Free provides transportation to and from the meetings for those who do not drive.
There is always time provided at each meeting for members to share problems and solutions unique to the challenges of living with limb loss, but education is also a strong focus. Many in the Cape May community have shared their expertise or information with the group at these monthly meetings. Speaker topics have included subjects of very specialized interest such as diabetes education, prosthetics, assistive technology, stem cell research and phantom pain, as well as those of more general interest such as acupuncture, massage, fitness, and various community resources and services.
The group has gone beyond its own concerns to take on projects to help others with a limb loss disability. In 2010, the members actively supported a Prosthetic Limb Drive to benefit Haiti, sponsored by Physicians for Peace and Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics. Last year the group participated in a petition urging Governor Christie to sign onto the Amputee Coalition’s Proclamation designating April as Limb Loss Awareness Month. Individual members have served as Peer Visitors to those facing or newly recovering from amputation.
Maybe you or someone you know needs help, as Brian Anderson puts it, “…to understand that even after we’ve been knocked down by the worst that life can do to us, we can recover and still do things that are important to us…” The Un-limb-ited Potential Support Group may provide just the help you are looking for. Meetings are held at 1 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month, usually at Cape Regional Medical Center. For more information contact Audrey Smith (609-898-0803), John Mc Donald (609-861-5695) or Paulann Pierson (609-886-2784).
DID YOU KNOW?
• The Annual Sweetheart’s Ball for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities will be held on Fri., April 20, from 4:40 to 9 p.m. at the Wildwood Convention Center. The event features a full course dinner and music provided by M & J Entertainment. Tickets are $10 per person. Semi-formal attire is required. Contact Rose at 609-827-9312 by April 10th.
• The Southern NJ Perinatal Cooperative is accepting nominations for its 2012 Joseph A. Pacera Award for Service to Maternal and Child Health in South Jersey. The deadline for submissions is April 5. This award celebrates those who make South Jersey healthier for pregnant women and their children: people or agencies who see a need and take action to help growing families lead healthier lives. The award includes a $1,000 contribution to the winner’s favorite charity. For more information call 856-665-6000.
• The Arc will celebrate National Sibling Day with a free webinar overview of the paths to networking for brothers and sisters of individuals with disabilities. The webinar will begin at noon Eastern Time on April 10. For more information call The Arc at 800-433-5255.
• A free workshop on Brain Injury Basics is being offered by the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey on Thurs., April 19th from 1 to 3 p.m. at Cape Regional Medical Center. This workshop will provide an overview of brain injury including its cognitive, physical and emotional consequences. Also covered will be the effects of brain injury on families, and useful strategies, tips, and resources for families and caregivers. More information is available at 732-745-0200, at www.bianj.org or by email at info@bianj.org
Pierson writes from the Cape May County Department of Aging and Disability Services
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