Limb Loss & Limb Difference Awareness Month
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It’s our favorite time of the year - Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month! Join us as we illuminate the strength of our community during April, a time dedicated to celebrating the remarkable individuals in the community we are endlessly honored and thankful to serve.
Recent findings reveal that over 5.6 million Americans are on their limb loss or limb difference journey, encompassing diverse backgrounds, genders, races, ages, and more.
While every day at Ottobock is dedicated to this community, April gives us a chance to let the passion that is baked into our DNA truly shine. This year, we are emphasizing #FreedomOfMovement and what that means to each individual touched by Limb Loss or Limb Difference.
What is LLLDAM?
LLLDAM stands for Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, started by the Amputee Coalition 14 years ago. April is designated as the month to raise awareness on limb loss and limb difference, using the color orange to represent the topic.
What's the difference?
Limb Loss: The loss of a limb. Amputation: the action of surgically cutting off a limb.
Limb Difference: The partial or complete absence of or malfunction of limbs (arms and legs).
How can we prevent limb loss?
Considering that the leading cause of amputations is due to vascular disease, the key to preventing amputation is to identify the risk factors. The leading cause of amputation is due to vascular disease like diabetes and peripheral arterial disease. Prevent vascular disease by eating a healthier diet and engaging in physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and keep blood pressure down. For those with vascular conditions, injury prevention and wound management is critical to avoid amputation.
Full Circle Movement Mobility Clinic
Together, we thrive off of community — especially efforts surrounding healing and movement. That’s why we are showing our commitment to #FreedomOfMovement through running and mobility clinics. We are hosting a special edition of Ottobock North America’s Full Circle Movement in Austin, TX on April 20, 2024. Built for any level of mobility with any level of skill, Full Circle Movement is to help everyone move, finding freedom and confidence to add movement to their healing journey.
Running Clinics
Outside of LLLDAM 2024, we are hosting FIVE more mobility and running clinics across North America. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates on an event that could be near you!
More Events
Desert Challenge Games May 28- June 2
Angel City Games June 2024
Greater Washington, DC area July 2024
Atlanta, GA September 2024
San Diego, CA November 2024
Ways Ottobock is Celebrating LLLDAM
We never shy away from a reason to celebrate the limb difference community! From hosting local events to sharing stories, Ottobock leverages every opportunity to shine a light on limb loss and limb difference.
Lighting up Niagara Falls
With the collaboration of Niagara Parks, the iconic Niagara Falls that borders Canada and the United States, lit up orange in support of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month. We are proud to play a small role in this event.
Our mission at Ottobock has always been to help people maintain and regain their freedom of movement. Starting this LLLDAM, we are turning up the noise on advocacy efforts to ensure as many people as possible can have access to the prosthetic and orthotic components to help them find confidence and healing in movement.
To support these efforts, we are aligning with the following organizations across the U.S. to push the 28 by 28 movement: An effort to enact legislation expanding coverage for orthotic and prosthetic care in 28 states by the Los Angeles Paralympics Games in 2028.
Stephanie HornerIn an odd and unique way, limb loss has led me to where I am today. When I was a child, my father was in a bad motorcycle accident. After many failed attempts to salvage his leg, they decided to amputate. I watched go through the highs and lows of accepting his new life as an amputee. His struggles encouraged me to join the field and make it my mission to serve the amputee community. I am beyond thankful to work in the prosthetic industry and for a company that strives to better the lives of those with limb loss / limb differences."
Rebecca BouwmanOur cat, Blue, fell down a window well one summer and we were pretty sure he broke his leg. Once at the vet, we found out that he also had hip dysplasia. After surgery, we were told there was a good chance he would experience issues later on in life. Later came rather quickly, when a year after the surgery, Blue fell down a flight of stairs and broke his leg again. The vet tried to cast him for several weeks, after which we found out his leg wasn't healing at all. We were given the option to do another expensive surgery or amputation. Definitely not an easy decision, but the vet said he would be just fine on three legs plus there would be a good chance he would continue to have issues with his leg if we did not amputate. The first few weeks after surgery were a bit rough, but Blue is now living his best life running and jumping around even better than he was before. I had just started working at Ottobock when all this happened and although Blue is a cat and does not use a prosthetic, it made me realize even more how much of an impact we have with what we do here at Ottobock!"
