In the words of our group members......
Life is made up of choices, not chances. It is up to you to make the right choice for your life. Although we didn't expect to be amputees when we were born, we have to learn to accept what we can't change. Being a diabetic is something I did not choose, but since I have it I have lost one leg below the knee and three toes on the left foot. I feel I was left alone. After being asked to come to the Amputee Support Group I decided to go and see what it was all about. Here I learned that I wasn't the only one with my problem. One man has both legs gone and still keeps pushing forward and never seems to be a cloudy day in his life always smiling. Another has lost one arm loves his motorcycle and he is still riding and pushing forward. In this group I see others with amputations, but we go forward. It just takes a little bit longer. The love that evolves among one another is evident with every meeting.
In God's love,
Mary Moon
Working with the Roanoke Amputee Network has been an incredible experience. It has been awesome to see the change in people's lives as they have been empowered by both knowledge and friendship. I have seen it serve many differences for many people. For some it has been a strong source of support through difficult times. For others it has been a place where they could make friends with someone that has something in common with them. And for the most part it has been a source of education in subjects ranging from prosthetics to travel and adaptive lawnmowers! This group is so upbeat and positive. It is always a pleasure to come to meetings and see everybody each month.
Renee Tatum
As a member of the Roanoke Amputee Network for some time (and it's current vice president) these few comments may be helpful to readers of this website. Our group has informative meetings every month and fun picnics occasionally, but one of our main functions is even more important than that. It is personally meeting with new amputees or those anticipating amputation. Sometimes this is done in a hospital, sometimes in a rehab facility and sometimes just on the phone. While not physicians or professional counselors, we are living proof that life after an amputation can be (and usually is) enjoyable and productive. We find it is satisfying to help others emotionally relax as they adjust to life with a prosthesis...and realize that, wow, there are a lot worse things than getting about easily with an artificial limb.
I've actually had fun slipping my leg off and explaining it to small children who are fascinated, not alarmed. And of course I enjoy bragging that I have five less toe nails to cut, no need to put a sock and shoe on each morning on that leg, and it's one less part of the body to wash! The attitude of our group is why not live and enjoy an amputee life. Millions of people in American do. We would love to have you join our group...but only if you want to.
Bing Grindle
The Roanoke Amputee Support Group has brought so much joy to my life. I feel I am a better person for being a part of such a special group of friends we know as family. Everyone contributes in an equal way towards the success of the camaraderie we share together. We have two outstanding prosthetists and a physical therapist who share their knowledge and expertise with the group and we have interesting guest speakers from time to time. We have family dinners and share each other's concerns.
If you are an amputee and looking for a support group then we invite you to join us. You will leave with an uplifting spirit of joy and inner peace.
Judy Henderson
We are nice people brought together by the common thread of amputation. We are an upbeat group. Our goal is to help you through a difficult time. We gather once a month. Our meetings are usually casual and friendly and helpful. Laughter is a must!
Family Support is very important for you to heal physically and mentally. We welcome and encourage participation from family members.
Put the past behind you, enjoy the gift of the present and look forward to a wonderful future. There is no cost or commitment, nothing to join...just come see what we're all about. Do not make this journey alone. You'll see life is not over...IT'S JUST DIFFERENT.
Patti
The Roanoke Amputee Support Group means a lot to me, meeting new friends, laughing, and generally having a good time. Each person in the group brings something unique to the table. Since I have been an amputee at the age of 12, I have seen it all, so with all the new technology you get a chance to experience new products that maybe you were not even aware of. When we have speakers who share their specialty (whatever that may be) each one gives a different prospective and it is great. The new C-leg is the greatest thing since sliced bread for an above-knee amputee. It brings out the best for that person and instills the confidence to go forward. When we all come together it is like an extended family and you are not the minority. Our spouses, who are not generally amputees, help other spouses cope with a problem that they are dealing with. When the meetings are over you come away with your spirits lifted higher. You can only get out of it what you are willing to put into it.
See you there,
Billy J. Aaron
I am an amputee's wife, my name is Bertha Aaron. Billy and I have married for 31 years in August 2004. One thing that I did for Billy was put my small bowls in the lower cabinets, so he could get them on his own, or you could put his place setting on the table, I've seen people do that right after they ate their meal. With Billy's wool socks, we dry clean some and wash some with Woolite, this keeps them soft, as other ways makes the end's kind of hard after a period of time. We would love for you to come to the meetings. We have a lot of fun and we get encouragement by each one.
See you there,
Bertha M. Aaron
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