To empower, educate and connect people living without both hands or more |
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We Met Chad Breske at Skills for Life 6
Here's Why He is Coming to Houston in October | |
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I attended Skills for Life 6 shortly after my injuries. Being new to it all, I really enjoyed every moment of Skills for Life. I felt at home immediately and connected with everyone there. There was so much information and fun that I got to be a part of early in my journey. It gives you a sense of being at ease with your injury or situation. Being able to see different people and learn their stories, feeling the camaraderie, and experiencing it all together.
You should come to Skills for Life 7 because you will feel comfortable, learn a ton, and plus have a fun time! Mentally it will help you in the future to know that you have tools to face the struggles that are going to come up in your journey.
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The best thing was knowing I wasn’t alone and there were others like me who I could relate to. It got me in a better spot emotionally knowing that there were others who had lost limbs or been born without limbs. One of my favorite moments was the golfing session with lessons. It was really cool because I got to try something I hadn’t before. It was inspiring that people who looked like me could not only hit the ball but hit it well!
*Know someone we should highlight? Please email and introduce us!
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Message from the Executive Director | |
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Hello Everyone!
When you read this, there will be about 220 days until Skills for Life 7. That means its time to reserve rooms (you can cancel if plans change) and register. If you have questions about what to expect, scroll down for more details. Did you know we offer scholarships, too? We want to be sure everyone can experience this unique event, packed with connections, resources, and fun!
I'm also looking forward to April and Limb Loss/Limb Difference Awareness Month. It's a time to share triumphs, challenges, and real-life experiences that connect all of us. Please help us make sure ESFL resources and events are shared so that we reach everyone who could benefit or contribute their own insights.
In addition to Skills for Life 7 details, please read on to check out our monthly Zoom Peer Group Gatherings, download great resources, and much more. Lately, I've been recommending our YouTube channel which is another great way to hear from others living with limb loss or difference.
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Skills for Life Workshop To Do List
We hope you are as excited as we are to attend the Skills for Life 7 (SFL7) workshop. This unique, three-day event has been described as "life-changing". It is devoted to you, to addressing issues faced by individuals living without both hands or all four limbs. Everyone impacted by limb loss or limb difference-including families and clinicians-is welcome! Presenters include individuals living with limb loss/limb difference, therapists, prosthetists, physicians, case managers, and others.
To get the most out of SFL 7, we've created a countdown calendar with tips and reminders. This month, you should have your hotel reserved and be working on registration. Stay tuned for what's to come, and share with a friend who could benefit from attending Skills for Life 7!
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Hanger Foundation Empowerment Grant Award
We are excited to announce that we received an Empowerment Grant from Hanger Foundation. We are incredibly grateful for their belief in the value of our work. The award will support our community with several scholarships to attend our Skills for Life 7 Workshop in \October, 2025.
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Super Bowl Square Fundraiser
Congratulations to our winners Laura T, Linda F and Frances H! What a fun way to raise money and keep the game interesting. Your contributions raised $1500 for scholarships to attend SFL7!
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Please keep scrolling for all of the latest ESFL news.
Warm regards,
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COUNTDOWN TO SKILLS FOR LIFE 7! | |
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Ronnie's Recap
Ronnie's vision to make sure everyone who is living without both hands or arms can attend the Skills for Life Workshops came to life in Livingston, Texas. For seven years, he has rallied the town to create an event that uses bowling to build community. We welcomed returning bowlers as well as new faces. Check out our social media pages for more pictures and videos.
Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner
Ronnie Hindsman and Michael Murphy bowled as a team, landing 6th place in a field of 68 tournament bowlers! This is such an extraordinary accomplishment, and I hope they are very proud of this awesome achievement.
Dralla Awards
Making the day more memorable, the Dralla Foundation scholarships paid for Mark Haley and Drew Case to attend and bowl PLUS gifting an adapted bowling device for both gentlemen. Thank you, Dralla for this opportunity!
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Skills for Life 7: Registration and Hotel Info
Skills for Life 7 Bilateral Upper Limb Difference Workshop is taking place October 16-18, 2025 in Houston, TX. if you have questions, reach out anytime. Our mission is to remove barriers, whether physical, financial or otherwise.
Thank you to our co-chairs, Kristi Turner and Wendy Hill, their planning committee, as well as our event planner, Joyce Tyler who are all working to create a memorable, impactful event!
SFL 7 Workshop Registration
Please use this link to register for Skills for Life 7. Contact us with any questions. SFL 7 Registration
RESERVE ROOMS TODAY!
This is the easiest way to prepare, even if you aren't positive you will attend. We can guarantee rooms will sell out, so your reservation will ensure you have a spot. You can always cancel, but you can't always book at this rate.
Hotel Reservation
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Calling All Sponsors & Exhibitors
You make Skills for Life 7 exceptional! This one-of-a-kind, personal gathering is unlike any other, created with people living without hands or arms 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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Pre-Conference Clinicians Only
We've set aside a half-day on October 15th for clinical education focused on best practices for fitting and training. With the increase in quadruple amputations over the past decade, you won't want to miss the chance to learn how fellow clinicians are creatively removing barriers for their patients. This is a pre-conference workshop for healthcare professionals only and requires you to register to attend. SFL 7 Registration
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ESFL Skills Exchange Sunday:
SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY
March 30th at 6 pm Central
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Join us for our an in-depth discussion centered on social media. Staying safe and making it work for you are our themes, including unveiling the mysteries of # and @.
Thanks to Sam and guest speakers Elizabeth Zweigel, Mike St Onge, and Christine Lentz for our February hands-free bathing and showering tips & tricks. A link to the recording is coming soon! Mark April 27th to dive into "What to Expect & How to Plan for Skills for Life 7"
Login at 6pm Central on March 30 using Zoom link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84630193213
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JOIN US ON
Sunday, March 30 @ 6pm central
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THANK YOU TO OUR SKILLS FOR LIFE 7 SPONSORS! | |
Skills for Life 7 Planning Committee | |
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| Co-Chairs:
Kristi Turner & Wendy Hill
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| | Joyce Tyler | Kelsey Rohren | Danielle Melton | | Eric Nelson | Ana Calvo | Chris Baschuk | | Trish Tully | Craig Jackman | Hector Picard | | Caesar Gonzales | Rebecca Armenta | Christine Lentz | | Ania Marecka | Steve Burrow | Shawn Johnson | | | |
Upcoming Events & Programs (2025) |
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Trent International Prosthetic Symposium (TIPS)
Event for professionals involved with upper limb prosthetics, rehabilitation and the management of upper extremity absence.
Website
Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Association of Children's Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics (ACPOC)
Conference covering pediatric musculoskeletal disorders as well as orthopedic and rehabilitative treatment of children.
Website
Dallas, TX
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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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Hanger EmpowerFest
EmpowerFest is a place for the limb loss/limb difference community to discover the power of shared experiences.
Website
Phoenix, AZ
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Get Involved!
Thank you to those who contacted us about getting involved! We are still looking for help, so let us know if you have time, experience, resources, or referrals/connections to support:
- Development/Fundraising
- SFL 7 - Videographer and General Volunteers
- Strategic Planning Committees
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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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