Mariah, a congenital amputee, had always dreamed of running a half marathon. After years of not having access to the proper care, this goal seemed like just that, a dream. A chance meeting at a rock climbing gym sparked our friendship, and then professional relationship.
My career specialty has been athletics. As an above the knee amputee myself, the O&P community gave me really exciting opportunities to participate in different adaptive sports from sailing to triathlon. These opportunities ultimately led me to my passion of rock climbing, and to a job at a patient care facility working with paralympic athletes and adults across many different sports. The people in this community are amazing, and the resources are many.
Drawing on the experience of those who helped me and different grants available, we were able to provide Mariah a running leg that helped her achieve her childhood dream. She didn’t just run the half marathon on her own, but she was also able to persuade me to do it with her.
Mariah accomplished a dream she had always had, and this profession provided another opportunity for growth that I had not ever imagined myself doing.”
Our 16th and final #WeAreOAndP feature this month goes out to Ronnie Dickson and AOPA member Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates of Tennessee!
Thank you Ronnie for your efforts to ensure every patient has access to their full range of mobility potential! Every person is unique in their goals and dreams. Your clinical care and expertise in adaptive sports prosthetics makes it possible!
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