Celebrating the Amputee Community and Taking Action in April
Every April, the limb loss and limb difference community comes together to educate, advocate, and celebrate during Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month (LLLDAM). With more than 2.7 million people living with limb loss or limb difference in the United States, this month serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility, support, and access for amputees.
At Ottobock, we’re proud to support this community not just during April, but every day of the year. This month, we’re launching a series of initiatives and events designed to amplify amputee voices, build awareness, and inspire change.
What Is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month?
Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month is a national campaign led by the Amputee Coalition, an organization that has been advocating for people with limb loss and limb difference for 40 years. The goal of the month is to educate the public, empower individuals living with limb loss or limb difference, and promote equitable access to prosthetic care and mobility support.
This year’s theme, “Inspiring Change Through Action,” encourages everyone — from individuals to organizations — to take meaningful steps toward progress. Whether it’s sharing a story, contacting lawmakers, or simply listening and learning, every action matters.
Limb Loss and Limb Difference in the U.S.: Fast Facts
According to the Amputee Coalition:
More than 5.6 million Americans are living with limb loss or limb difference today
Each year, approximately 185,000 amputations occur in the U.S.
By 2050, the number of people living with limb loss is expected to more than double
The leading causes of amputation are vascular disease, trauma, and cancer
54% of amputees do not receive a prosthesis following limb loss
These numbers highlight the critical need for awareness, access, and advocacy across the healthcare, prosthetics, and orthotics industries.
How Ottobock Is Supporting the Limb Loss and Limb Difference Community
As a global leader in prosthetics and orthotics, Ottobock is proud to support people living with limb loss and limb difference through innovation, advocacy, and education. This April, we’re rolling out a series of events and activations that reflect our ongoing commitment to the amputee community:
🧡 Living the Brand Speaker Series
Throughout the month, we’re hosting in-person and livestreamed conversations with inspiring individuals who live with limb loss or limb difference. Guests include:
Throughout the month, we’re hosting in-person and livestreamed conversations with inspiring individuals who live with limb loss or limb difference. Guests include:
Gini Thomas – Adaptive fitness coach and advocate
Cam Ayala – Amputee activist and lymphedema awareness leader
Chris Cedarstrand – Former professional athlete turned motivational speaker
These sessions celebrate resilience while offering valuable insights for others navigating life after limb loss.
🏛️ Day at the Capitol
We’re headed to the Texas Capitol this April to meet with lawmakers, share stories from the amputee community, and advocate for better access to prosthetic care and coverage. Legislative awareness is an essential step in creating real, long-term change.
We’re headed to the Texas Capitol this April to meet with lawmakers, share stories from the amputee community, and advocate for better access to prosthetic care and coverage. Legislative awareness is an essential step in creating real, long-term change.
🎉 LLLDAM Giveaway: Win a Trip to a 2025 Mobility Event
To celebrate the month and support individuals on their mobility journey, Ottobock is giving away a trip to a 2025 running clinic or mobility event! This experience will connect the winner with experts and peers while providing tools to boost confidence and movement. Entries are open through April 30, 2025. Terms and conditions apply.
To celebrate the month and support individuals on their mobility journey, Ottobock is giving away a trip to a 2025 running clinic or mobility event! This experience will connect the winner with experts and peers while providing tools to boost confidence and movement. Entries are open through April 30, 2025. Terms and conditions apply.
🧡 Wear Orange Wednesdays
Every Wednesday in April, we’re wearing orange in solidarity with the limb loss and limb difference community. It’s a simple way to show your support and raise awareness in your own circles — online and off.
Every Wednesday in April, we’re wearing orange in solidarity with the limb loss and limb difference community. It’s a simple way to show your support and raise awareness in your own circles — online and off.
How You Can Support the Amputee Community
Whether you're living with limb loss, supporting a loved one, or working in the O&P or healthcare space, there are so many ways to make a difference:
Share your story or amplify the stories of amputees in your community
Educate yourself and others about the realities of limb loss and prosthetic access
Support the Amputee Coalition, which offers peer support, advocacy tools, and educational resources
Find Expert Prosthetic & Orthotic Care Near You
Looking for personalized prosthetic or orthotic solutions? Connect with our experts to get the care and support you need. Find a clinic near you or reach out to us today!
