Have You Signed Up For The 5k?



Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp: Making a Difference


With the 3rd Annual Optimus Prosthetics 5K  being just around the corner we here at Optimus wanted to share more about the Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp. The goal of the 5K each year is to help raise awareness and support for the Amputee Coalition's Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp. The mission of the camp is to make a difference in the lives of children with limb loss.

The camp began in 2000 as the Youth Initiative and started as a satellite program that was offered at the Annual Amputee Coalition Education Conference & Exposition. The Amputee Coalition realized it needed to have a more specific program for its youth members and developed the Youth Initiative to help provide a support group for individuals with limb loss or limb difference. Youths 10-17 years of age who have limb loss or limb difference are eligible to attend camp.

Each year the Amputee Coalition Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp provides fun and exciting sports, recreation and social activities for campers, where every child can set his or her own personal level of challenge. The camp also offers peer discussion groups facilitated by older campers and amputee mentors to help the young campers learn that they are not alone.  For the 15-17 year old campers there is a leadership training to prepare them to be camp counselors and leaders in their schools and communities.  Each night the camp host social events that allow campers the opportunity to enjoy dancing, performing, role playing and other activities.

Optimus Prosthetic patient Advocate Aimee Eckert has attended the camp as a counselor and describes her time there as a humbling experience. Aimee states there were so many children with stories that would make you cry. Most were so positive and happy even with all they had been through.
Aimee states when you have to go through childhood with a limb difference you are "different." The camp allows them to spend time with other kids with something in common, and allows them to gain confidence. Aimee said she would recommend anyone with limb difference or an amputation to get involved.


Charles McBride: Keeping the Goal in Sight
 

Going through amputation surgery is never easy, but coping with this difficult decision while battling cancer would overwhelm even the strongest among us. This was the difficult road that Charles (or Chuck as he prefers) went down in December of 2016. Chuck knew that he had Peripheral Artery Disease (or PAD), and 8-9 years ago underwent angioplasty surgery which had been working. Then, his right foot began losing circulation and began to hurt. Doctors tried everything they could to save his leg, but finally, he learned that there was nothing more the doctors could do to save his leg. Now, he had a new battle to fight.
            Chuck admits, "It was a little devastating, but I couldn't live with the pain anymore." Coping with this decision while still going through cancer treatment left us wondering how Chuck coped with everything. "Once you accept the situation and realize there is nothing you could have done to prevent this, you realize it's not the end of the world. Other people have been through it. Tim [Riedlinger] said it best when he told us, 'Losing your leg does not define you as an individual.' Tim, Megan, and Jaimie came to the hospital and even to all my doctor's appointments. It really helps! As far as Optimus goes, they were there every step of the way, even before my surgery. That helps you get through it." Chuck admits that much of the battle is mental and cautions those walking through the journey of limb loss, "You will have peaks and valleys, but you CAN do it! You will get out of this what you put into it. Put in the hard work and effort, and you will be rewarded!"
            Now, nearly 6 months post-op, Chuck has his prosthesis, and it has given him a new lease on life. Chuck confessed that his primary concern after amputation was how his limb-loss would affect those around him. He knew he would need more help from others and would have to make some major modifications to his everyday routine. However, having his prosthesis has allowed him to maintain his independence and allows him not to be restricted to a wheelchair. "It's about quality of life! Little things like being able to stand and look someone in the eye rather than looking up at them from a wheelchair, they mean so much. I believe everybody who wants to should be given the opportunity to get a prosthesis and walk again!"
            Chuck credits his success to support from his family, from Optimus, from his physical therapy team, and also his ability to focus on achieving his goals. Unfortunately, the form of cancer that Chuck has is incurable. However, this motivates Chuck to keep pushing himself to reach his goals. As he puts it, "I'm in a hurry! I gotta get up and go for it!" Chuck's amazing positive attitude inspires each of us.
We truly enjoy and are honored to be working with Chuck and his wife Donna, and the feeling is mutual. As the put it, "We absolute would recommend Optimus because of the support they have given us throughout this process. They reassured me [Chuck] many times along the way. We don't feel like a 'number' or rushed when we come into the office. You all take your time with us. When you walk in this door [to the office] you feel welcome. You feel like you are around family!" Chuck adds, "And I could not have asked for a better prosthetist than Jaimie! She is wonderful!
  

In This Issue
upcoming
Cincinnati Courses:

Course # 5
05/09  12:00 PM
Covenant Village

Course # 2
05/11 12:00 PM
TriHealth Rehab Hospital

Course # 4
05/16 12:00 PM
Jewish Hospital Acute Care Rehab

Course # 5
05/23 12:00 PM
Tricounty Extended Healthcare

Course # 9
05/25 12:00 PM
Mercy Health-Fairfield Hospital Rehab

Course # 5
05/30 12:15 PM
Daniel Drake Outpatient Rehab in West Chester

Columbus Courses:

Course # 7
05/10 12:00 PM
Childrens Hospital OT Staff

C ourse # 2
05/24 12:00 PM
Whetstone Gardens and Care Center

Dayton Courses:

Course # 4
05/10 12:30 PM
Maria Joseph

Course # 2
05/11 12:00 PM
Wilson Memorial

Course # 5
05/17 12:30 PM 
Maria Joseph

Course # 5 & 6 
05/17 6:00 PM 
Optimus Prosthetics 

Course # 6
05/24 12:30 PM 
Maria Joseph

Course # 7
05/31 12:30 PM
Maria Joseph


Optimus Prosthetics, Dayton
8517 North Dixie Drive, Suite 100/300
Dayton, Ohio 45414
(937) 454-1900

Optimus Prosthetics, Columbus
3132 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, Ohio 43202 
(614) 263-LIMB (5462)

Optimus Prosthetics, Cincinnati
4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite B
Cincinnati, OH 45212
(513) 918-2320
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