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June 2025 Newsletter
To empower, educate and connect people living without both hands or more
| | Skills for Life 7: Ready for October? | | |
Marco Nunez and his family share why they are attending the Skills for Life 7 Workshop
When Marco and his family first signed up for Skills for Life, they weren’t quite sure what to expect. But what inspired them was clear: they saw it as a chance to grow stronger together while supporting their son. “We wanted Marco to know he doesn’t have to navigate life’s challenges on his own,” they shared. “We’re walking alongside him every step of the way.”
Since that first experience, the family has come back again and again—and each time, it means something new.
“For Marco, returning to Skills for Life each year is like recharging his emotional batteries,” his parents say. “It reminds him that he’s not alone, that he’s seen and supported. It’s something positive that helps him keep moving forward with strength and hope.”
That sense of belonging is powerful. Marco looks forward to being in a space where he feels understood and accepted—without needing to explain himself. “It’s a safe, encouraging environment, and it’s made a real impact.”
And the growth? It’s been undeniable.
“We’ve seen Marco become more open with his feelings,” his family says. “He’s more grounded in who he is and better able to express his needs. That’s been a huge transformation.”
As for the conference itself, it’s hard for them to pick just one standout moment. “Honestly, they’ve all been memorable in different ways. But the constant? How close it brings us as a family.” Their biggest takeaway? “Showing up together. That’s been the most meaningful part—being there as a family.” If you're on the fence about attending for the first time, their advice is simple: Do it.
“You’re not just attending a conference,” they say. “You’re stepping into a community that truly understands and supports families like yours. It can be the start of something really meaningful.”
So whether it’s your first time or your fifth, there’s something for everyone at Skills for Life. And, as Marco’s family can tell you, it’s a place where families grow—not just individually, but together.
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Message from ESFL Executive Director
Hello Everyone!
Our friends at Amputee Coalition shared some heavy news earlier this week. On Friday, May 30th, the Presidential Budget eliminated funding for the National Limb Loss Resource Center for federal fiscal year 2026 (FY26), which will begin on October 1st.
Your Help is Needed!
Save The National Limb Loss Center (NLLC). The AC has setup a website with funding updates and action you can take now. They provide contact information for your representatives, a script for your call or email as well as a social media campaign you can share with your followers. Stay tuned to the AC Funding Updates website, for all details.
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Skills for Life 7 Registration Updates
We currently have 60 people living without both hands or all four limbs and 42 family members registered for SFL 7! We are still 4 months away so we expect this number to continue to grow! Our attendees ages range from 2-80 and are coming from all over the US, as well as Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia! This face to face connection is so important for so many reasons. Seeing firsthand that there is an entire community of others like yourself is life changing.
Clinicians, this event is for you too! CEU's will be provided for CP's and OTs! We are even hosting a one day seminar on best practices for fitting and rehab of someone living without both hands or all four limbs.
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Is an Adapted Ski Outing at NAC in our future?
We are in the initial stages of discussions with the National Ability Center in Park City, UT about a 3-day trip to do some adapted downhill skiing on the mountain as well as participate in some organized activities and teambuilding time onsite. Due to the fact that we only hold our SFL workshop once every three years, our hope is to provide additional opportunities for face to face connections whenever we are able to do so. Stay tuned for more details coming soon for this exciting outing in 2026.
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ESFL Annual Meeting, June 24th at 4pm central
Don't forget... ESFL is holding its 2025 Annual Meeting on June 24th at 4pm central. Make plans to join us! We will share what have been up to since last years Annual Meeting as well as the exciting things we have in store for next year.
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Please keep reading below for updated information about registration, program, hotel and transportation.
Please keep scrolling for all of the latest ESFL news.
Warm Regards,
| | | Countdown Timer to Skills for Life 7! | | SFL News, Tips & Resources | |
Program Information
Thank you to the SFL 7 Planning Committee! We are just so excited about the sessions planned and all of the fun activity day happenings! Cornhole, Pickleball, Scavenger Hunt, Exhibitor Meet & Greet, ADL Tips & Tricks, Kitchen Skills Demonstrations, "Speed Friending", Quad Boot Camp, Travel Tips, Resource Sharing, Swimming, Biking, Working Out and so much more... it is a jam packed 3-day event you won't want to miss!
*Reminder, CEU's will be provided for OT's and CP's.
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Travel Resources
We've created a document for most of your traveling questions. Please click on the image or here to open the document. All underlined items are hyperlinks so click away! We have also included the document on our Skills for Life 7 website. If we have missed anything please let us know. If this is your first time traveling and you aren't sure what to expect, let us know and we can get you connected with others who travel with or without wheelchairs, with or without prosthetic devices, or do everything with their feet.
TSA Cares provides information on security procedures aimed to help passengers with disabilities, medical conditions and individuals needing additional assistance to better prepare for the security screening process.
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SFL 7 Checklist-Bathroom Equipment
We have people traveling from all over who will need adaptive equipment to shower safely or be able to toilet by themselves. For anyone interested in helping us make sure we have equipment for those in need, please use this Amazon Link to donate equipment:
Checklist Reminders:
February: Reserve your hotel room
March: Apply for scholarship
April: Register for SFL 7
May: Plan Your Travel (flights, cars, or accessible transportation)
June: Let us know your shower equipment needs. Register.
July: Subscribe to Escape Houston. Travel tips. Volunteering opportunities.
August: SFL Meals, book flight. Transportation reminders
September: Review the SFL 7 program, download the app, plan your days.
October: What to pack/bring, Things to do in Houston and last minute questions.
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Calling All Sponsors & Exhibitors
Our SPONSORS make Skills for Life 7 exceptional! This one-of-a-kind, personal gathering is unlike any other, created with people living without both hands or all four limbs in mind. Your presence reinforces that you are committed to this unique community.
Check out the sponsorship and exhibiting details in our Skills for Life 7 Prospectus and let us know if you have any questions. Your support makes the workshop and so much more possible.
This workshop only happens every three years so you don't want to miss this opportunity!
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Pro Football Hall of Fame, Anyone?
Come join us at Andy Mattox's 3rd Annual Rock & Bowl Fundraiser September 12-14, 2025 in Medina, Ohio. Andy is putting together another great weekend to raise awareness about our amazing ESFL community. The weekend includes live performances from Elvis and The Blues Brothers, dinners at the VFW, silent auctions, an outing to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and, of course, bowling!
If you have every considered joining us for one of these fun filled weekends, make this your year! Scholarships to attend are available.
If you are interested in supporting Andy and his fundraising efforts, click here to learn more about sponsoring or donating.
If you haven't met Andy before, this video is a great way to get to know more about his story.
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SKILLS EXCHANGE SUNDAY
Know Before you Bowl: Andy's Fundraiser Weekend Including Football Hall of Fame
June 29th at 6pm Central
Join Samoana Matagi and Andy Mattox to learn about Andy's Weekend of fun and fundraising in Ohio this September! Ever wanted to try out bowling or visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame? This is your weekend, full of
Login at 6pm Central on Sunday, June 29th using Zoom link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84630193213
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THANK YOU TO OUR SKILLS FOR LIFE 7 SPONSORS!
We simply cannot hold these workshops without their support
so please make sure to thank them online or in person.
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Skills for Life 7 Planning Committee
Co-Chairs:
Kristi Turner & Wendy Hill
| | | Joyce Tyler |
| Danielle Melton | | Eric Nelson | Ana Calvo | Chris Baschuk | | Trish Tully | Craig Jackman | Steve Burrow | | Caesar Gonzales | Rebecca Armenta | Christine Lentz | | Ania Marecka | Kelsey Rohren | Shawn Johnson | | | Upcoming Events & Programs | | | |
International Society of Prosthetics & Orthotics (ISPO) World Congress
Event for professionals involved in the support of persons in need of prosthetic, orthotic, mobility and assistive devices.
Website
Stockholm, Sweden
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Andy's Rock & Bowl Weekend
See website for scholarship application, hotel information and details about the weekend.
Website
Medina, OH
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Hanger Empowerfest
Event for the limb loss/limb difference community to discover the power of shared experiences.
Website
Phoenix, AZ
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Skills for Life 7 Workshop
Event that takes place every 3 years for people living without both hands or all four limbs, their family members, and healthcare professionals.
Website
Houston, TX
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Change a Life, Donate Today
The Skills for Life workshop was developed in 2002 with a specific focus on people living without both hands or more and the unique set of circumstances they face on a daily basis. The nonprofit was founded in 2017 to ensure we could continue supporting the members of our community with programs, events, resources, and connections. Please click the Venmo or PayPal donate buttons in this section to donate. PayPal allows you to donate via your account or with a credit card. Venmo requires you to have an account. Donations can also be made via check, payable to Enhancing Skills for Life, 16111 Park Center Dr, Houston, TX 77059.
Any and all donations, large or small, are greatly appreciated!
Enhancing Skills for Life, 501c3 Tax ID: 81-2619137
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