Andy Mattox's 4th Annual

Rock N Bowl Fundraiser!

Location:Medina, Ohio

Schedule

​Friday, Evening of September 11

• Dinner and a live performance at VFW Post 5137 

Saturday, September 12

• Morning Location: To Be Determined 
• Evening: Dinner and a live performance at VFW Post 5137 

Sunday, September 13

• Doubles Bowling Tournament @ AMF Lanes in Medina, OH.
• Open bowl also available

​​

See Andy's Website for scholarship info and more. Information is also included in the below events section.

NIH Funded Grief Study

Researchers at the University of Washington are conducting a focus group study about grief related to limb loss and/or limb difference. The goal of the project is to develop a tool to facilitate conversations about and improve support for the emotional and psychological aspects of limb loss and limb difference. The study involves completing a short survey, attending a 2-hour focus group via zoom, and participants will be paid $60 for their participation.

The study is open to people who do or do not use prostheses and they are particularly looking for people with multiple limb or congenital limb difference.

Study Flyer

ESFL Amazon Storefont

Buy a Product, ESFL gets $$$

We have created an Enhancing Skills for Life Amazon Store that includes almost all of the items listed in our Hands Free catalog. Separated into similar categories, it definitely makes for an easier way to find the items you are looking for. There is also a search feature!

ESFL receives a commission, but the catch is that you MUST purchase the items through our ESFL Store. What an easy way to support a great cause!

BookMark the ESFL Amazon Store: https://a.co/d/079BxhY5

Hands Free Catalog-Submit Your Items

Send us your ESFL Hands Free Catalog Ideas!

Use the below link to upload your gadgets and adaptive equipment. You will need to include the name of the item, a weblink or email address, one or more photos and a brief description.

Submit Equipment

Are you new to the Limb Difference/Amputee Community?

When I first became an amputee (sepsis) the last thing on my mind was exercising. I had already been through so much physically, I couldn't imagine finding the energy to work out.

It is okay to feel overwhelmed. Patience with yourself is important. It will take a lot out of you to reorient yourself to your new body. One of best pieces of advice I received early on was to give myself permission to fail. Learning to become independent takes time, I am still not completely independent, but I know I will get there.

Starting out, for leg/quad it can be as simple as practicing transfers, sits to stands, and walking short distances. It is important to budget your energy. It will take a lot more to do a lot less, so be kind to yourself as you start out.

If you have the resources to work out with a Physical Therapist and/or Occupational Therapist, I recommend it. If not, ESFL has a great YouTube Fitness Zoom by Torie Mugo that outlines great ways to start.

Keep moving, you won't regret it. There will be setbacks be it physical or something with the prosthetics and know you are part of a large community that understands.

ESFL Skills Exchange Podcast

Join the Discussion!

Samoana Matagi spoke with The Burbank, Somerville and White Families about their first time experiences at SFL 7. Make sure to give it a listen and PLEASE make sure to share with other families who would benefit!

For our next episode in July we will talk with Evelyn, Kevin and Lucinda to hear about their first time experiences at the National Ability Center. Tune in to listen in July and see if a trip with ESFL to the NAC might be a good fit for you.

If you have ideas for future episodes, email Samoana. Stay tuned to ESFL social media for the next episode to drop!

Make sure to watch on YouTube or listen in on Spotify.