07/07/2026
Hi Folks. Sorry, this is a long one. I have been quiet for quite some time. Many of you know that I was involved in a farm accident on August 26, 2024. I was air lifted from Allegheny Township, PA to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital with 4 fractured ribs, a fractured vertebrae, a collapsed lung, and an amputated right leg.
Since then, I have fought to return to my normal every day activities. One thing that was very clear is that my every day prosthesis was not going to cut it.
I used to run prior to my injury. My prosthesis is not ment for running. It is very uncomfortable and very ridged. There is no give in it at all. A running blade and knee will cost me $35,000. To which, my insurance company will not cover.
I also used to spend a lot of time with the kids at Sandcastle. I used to take the scouts hiking, camping, and swimming. My current prosthesis cannot be submerged in water, so all of that has stopped. A water leg will also run me thousands of dollars.
One leg is not enough to cover all daily activities. There are insurance approval delays. We have to prove that we are at a certain activity level for higher level parts. I have also had to prove that my leg shrank and I needed a new socket. This is something that almost all amputees run into.
I come across a movement that is working to get insurance companies to cover secondary medically necessary prosthesis (along with orthotics and other mobility devices), cover them at a better reimbursement rate, and less delays. So far, I have met with local senators and traveled to Harrisburg in support of this movement. In July I will be doing a 28 days of movement challenge. This will raise funds to help us as we move the bills through the PA State Government. This money will directly help Pennsylvania amputees and folks that wear orthotics. I will include my fundraising link.
We are also looking for businesses and individuals to sign up as signatories. I will also include info on that.
Thank you for your support. Hopefully, someday soon, I will see you all at the local farmers market.
I'm excited to join the 28x28 Mobility Challenge in support of So Every BODY Can Move, a landmark state-by-state policy and advocacy initiative creating equitable access to prosthetic and orthotic care for physical activity, currently deemed “not medically necessary” and not covered by insurance...
