As April Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month comes to a close, we would like to thank everyone who has supported our group in bringing awareness to the issues that affects Canadians who have experienced limb loss. Although, much of the world is still on lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we manage to celebrate our community without any in-person events. Below are just a few highlights:
CN Tower and Toronto 3D Sign Lit Orange
Once again, the Canada’s icon, the CN Tower, and Toronto 3D sign in front of Nathan Philips Square was lit orange to help bring awareness to April Limb Loss Awareness Month. Both were on full display on April 15th. Thankful for the clear night that evening that our members could watch it on Earth Cam.
Education Program
Due to the lockdowns, we were unable to host an education event similar to those we’ve done in the past with Ottobock Canada and Sunnybrook St. John’s Rehabilitation Centre. But we were able to deliver 5 educational podcasts through The AmpuTO Show Podcast. Have a listen if you missed them. They are listed below:
- Understanding the Ontario Assistive Device (ADP) Program – Learn how Ontario’s Assistive Device Program (ADP) and other funding options available for Ontarians to assist in paying for their prosthesis from Office Manager of Hamilton Prosthetics and Orthotics, Joseph Griffa.
- Bionics Part 1: Upper Limb Bionics – Listen to researcher and content writer for Bionics for Everyone, Wayne Williams, as he discusses bionic options for upper limb amputees. He also discusses costs for many of these prosthesis and what’s coming down the pipe in terms of innovations like agonist-antagonist myonueral interface procedure. Check out their complete guide to bionic arms here.
- Prosthesis 101 and Prosthetists – Understand the different types of prosthesis available for all levels of amputation, the process for getting prosthesis made, and the process to become a prosthetist from Shane Glasford, C.P.(c), prosthetist, Sunnybrook Centre for Independent Living (SCIL).
- Bionics Part 2: Lower Limb Bionics – Researcher and content writer for Bionics for Everyone, Wayne Williams, discussed bionic options for lower limb amputees. He also discussed costs for many of these prosthesis and what’s coming down the pipe in terms of innovations like agonist-antagonist myoneural interface procedure. Check out their complete guide to bionic legs here.
- Physical Medicine and Limb Loss – Learn about Physical Medicine or Physiatry, and the role of the discipline in limb loss from Dr. Amanda Mayo, physiatrist at Sunnybrook Health and Sciences Centre. Learn about benefits of prehab pre-amputation and physiatry post-amputation patient care.
Another one to note is ACT Founder, Aristotle Domingo, guesting on a children’s web show called “Snack and Chat” on EPIC Generation TV, teaching kids about limb loss, being inclusive, and accessibility.
Bringing awareness in the community
We would also like to thank ABS-CBN “Balitang America” (American News) – Toronto and host Christine Santos for helping to bring awareness about April Limb Loss and Limb Difference Month and the barriers that our community face to viewers around the world.
What a year it has been and remains to be challenging to hold events and in-person meetups for our group. However, we carry on and support one another through our monthly virtual meetups and peer-to-peer Certified Visitor program. We would like to reach as many as we can especially during the pandemic when isolation and mental health issues come hand in hand. But we are all thankful to have our group to support each other and celebrate our milestones through our Facebook group.
If you are a person who experienced limb loss, please reach out. We are still here even through this pandemic. Remember that you are not alone. Contact us through Facebook if you would like to learn more or join our group.
Until next time, stay safe. Stay healthy. We are all in this together.
