Over the past years, many amputees participating in the Amputee Rehab
Program at Chedoke mentioned to team members that they wished they had someone to talk to about what life will be like without
a limb. People also frequently mentioned that they wanted a way to keep in touch with other amps.
These wishes were answered when a group of amps decided to investigate forming a support group.
Our first meeting was held in August 1997, and executive committee
and a name were chosen in September, and a group logo created in November of 1997.
It was decided that two meetings a month would be held at Chedoke (2nd and 4th Wednesdays) and a
pamphlet was created in order to advertise our group to other amputees, their families and interested friends.
From its inception, the group recognized the need for a newsletter
to advertise events as well as inform the reader as to local and international news which may be of interest to amputees.
Creating a website also affords us a wider circulation for our newlsetter,
but also allows interchange between amputees from all over the world.
Mission Statement:
To reach out to persons who have experienced limb loss and to their family and friends. To educate
and to provide support through shared experience and social interaction.
Outreach:
A training program was created to enable member volunteers to visit local hospitals and provide peer
support for the amputee patients. The peer visitor shared his/her experience, provides information and encouragement to the
patient. As a result of this effort, a close liason has been established with our area hospitals.
We have also developed an active role in seminars and clinics with the O.T. and P.T. students at
McMaster University's Rehabilitation Sciences programs.
Support:
We, as amputees, know that we, our families and friends need ongoing support. This is especially
true for the new amputee as he/she adjusts to their limb loss and the resulting changes in their lifestyles. Through one on
one as well as group sharing, social activities, regular meetings and our newsletter, we attempt to provide each other with
much needed support.
Empowerment:
Through education, one is made aware of their options and rights and are, therefore, better equipped
to make major decisions as amputees. Shared information contributes to an informed consumer.
"Let someone who has been there come and show you that life goes on!
You are never alone!"
(excerpt from the CAPS brochure)
