janet_buck’s Profile » Ampufreedom - Amputee and Disability Community

I’ve been an AK amputee for 45 years (since the age of seven), when I lost my leg due to congenital deformities. It took me more than 30 years to learn that there was such a thing as an amputee support system and that my disability didn’t have to be hidden away from a world of constant scrutiny and judgment. Once I realized there were people out there who wanted to discuss issues related to amputation, I joined a list, shared some of my writing, and then began a career in publishing poetry and essays. I teach composition courses at the college level.

While I have been blessed with success in the publishing world, I quickly learned that simply reaching people with words marked by candor and vulnerability leads to a much more productive emotional life.

After suffering through extended periods of depression tied to the frustration of getting a leg that was comfortable, I joined forces with a close friend and amputee named Tonja Surgeon and we started a group entitled: “Southern Oregon Amputee Support.” Our first meeting was August 6th, 2008; that very first day, we were delighted to see the room go from empty to packed. I had no idea that a few flyers and phone calls directed to local medical institutions and prosthetic shops could yield such profound results. We are looking forward to bi-monthly meetings marked by camaraderie, emotional release, educational opportunities, and an environment that will be a trail to hope for all of us.

Al Pike, Wayne Renardson, and others have given me a great deal of support and encouragement in this journey, as well as valuable wisdom and experience. I look forward to getting to know each of you here and am grateful to the people who developed such an inspiring place where we can gather and converse.

Website: http://members.aol.com/jbuck22874/whatsnew.html

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