My road came to an unexpected halt on November 9, 2010.

That morning, I was bicycling to work when a garbage truck turned across a city bike lane. I was in that bike lane.

A team of trauma surgeons saved my life, but they had to amputate my left leg. My body and life were forever changed.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

As I learned to walk again, I measured my recovery in steps and then miles. Over time that journey grew into something more -- a way of being in the world, wherever I go.

I am a person of ability and disability. I travel in the space between. These are my postcards.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Join The Journey!

Please join me in celebrating 2 YEARS on this journey!


We're having a benefit party!
This Sunday, November 4
Food, raffles, games, and WALKING -- all for a great cause -- Philadelphia Limb Foundation!

The party will be held at:
Garden City Fire Hall
412 Moore Road
Wallingford, PA 19086

1:00-5:00 p.m.
One-Mile Fun Walk at 3:00  (I need the miles!!!)

Tickets/donation:  $20/person or $45/family
All proceeds benefit PHILADELPHIA LIMB FOUNDATION

Along this journey, I've learned that I'm very, very lucky.

I've had the best medical and prosthetic teams I could ever imagine.  My insurance gives me access to advanced prosthetics, such as the Genium, which enable me to walk skillfully and safely.  With the help of talented therapists and friends, I'm working toward biking, inline skating, and running -- all things I loved to do before the accident.

I've also learned that not everyone has such good fortune.

In the past 2 years, I've met amputees - young and old -- who have had to FIGHT for access to prosthetics.  Many people find themselves uninsured or underinsured for a lifetime of prosthetic needs -- a knee that will allow them to walk safely, an arm that will enable them to go back to work.

No one expects to have a traumatic injury like mine.  But life can change in a split-second.

PHILADELPHIA LIMB FOUNDATION is a local organization that helps amputees afford the prosthetics they need.  To live safely.  To be productive members of their community.  To push themselves beyond the limits of their amputation.

I hope you can join us for walking and fun on November 4th!
 
It's a celebration of my journey.  But it's also a way to help other amputees take their own journeys --  one step at a time.

If you can't attend the party but would like to contribute to the cause, donations are welcome!

Please mail them to:
Philadelphia Limb Foundation
c/o Prosthetic Innovations
10 Baldwin Creek
Eddystone, PA 19022

Please make checks out to PHILADELPHIA LIMB FOUNDATION.  Write "Rebecca's Journey" at the bottom of the check, so they'll know it's part of our fundraising!

Thank you for walking with me -- in person and in spirit!

Rebecca


1 comment:

  1. We'll be there, as always, for the short walk and the long haul! During the past two years, so many people have been inspired by your clearly visible courage, determination and persistance in confronting and overcoming monumental challenges, but it is those internal qualities...your loving and caring heart, your kindness and generosity, your overwhelming appreciation of others' efforts and support, and your indomitable spirit in the face of unimaginable obstacles... which make you the truly special and outstanding person that you are. We're in it for the whole journey... with unending gratitude to all of those wonderful supporters - family, friends, professionals and strangers... who continue to walk beside all of us, every step of the way.

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