ESFL Exists to educate, empower, and connect those living without both hands or more. | | | | |
Cheers 2025! Hello 2026!
We're celebrating ten of the stories we loved in 2025, shining a light on amazing connections and outstanding achievements that ESFL was privileged to support, especially SFL 7!
Thank you for every moment that you've shared with ESFL. Whether you volunteered your time, donated to support an event, or shared a post, your actions made a difference.
Here's to a fabulous 2026 with our ESFL family!
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1) SKILLS FOR LIFE -
BY THE NUMBERS
Skills for Life 7 brought together 405 attendees, making it our largest workshop yet. This year’s event welcomed 114 individuals living without both hands or all four limbs, including 70 quad amputees—an incredible 65% of our limb-different attendees. We were also honored to host participants from 11 countries, including Australia, Japan, Jordan, Italy, Ireland, Ukraine, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Sweden, and the United States. Our community continues to grow in powerful ways:
• 75 first-time attendees
• 120 family members and caregivers
• 34 individuals born with limb differences
• 80 attendees navigating limb loss from trauma or sepsis
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2) SFL 7 PEDIATRIC PROGRAMMING
This year marked the exciting launch of our expanded pediatric program, made even stronger through our partnership with Camp No Limits. CNL joined us to host the Beach Bash Blitz, a fun and interactive series of mini-challenges where children living with limb loss and limb difference teamed up with family members and peers. The activity encouraged creativity, confidence, relationship building, and plenty of laughter. Thanks to this enhanced programming, ESFL saw an incredible 500% increase in pediatric attendance (17 yrs old and under), reflecting the growing need—and enthusiasm—for dedicated support and community for our younger participants.
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Activity Day at SFL 7 was packed with movement, creativity, and exploration as attendees jumped into a wide range of adaptive experiences. Participants had the chance to try cycling, pickleball, adaptive gaming, fitness sessions, golf, swimming, music, and a hands-on craft-and-create station. The energy was high and the participation was incredible, with attendees of all ages and ability levels discovering new hobbies, testing adaptive equipment, and enjoying the chance to try activities in a supportive, judgment-free environment. It was a standout day filled with empowerment, fun, and community. | | |
Our new website is live!
With a fresh new look and hopefully easier navigation, we are excited to share the site is up and running. Please take a look around and let us know what you think. What are we missing? Links not working? We would love your feedback!
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PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP
This online community is alive with queries, tips, and connection. Regularly monitored to ensure safety and support, this unique group is full of heart and healing. We are proud to be a source of support for over 12 years. Members include those living without both hands or more, immediate family members as well as a few healthcare professionals.
Contact Us for Link to Join
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4) LIFE HACKS & ADAPTIVE COOKING SKILLS
SFL 7 offered a variety of opportunities for attendees to explore new tools and adaptive strategies. Participants engaged with adaptive vehicles, visited a wide range of exhibitors, and learned practical everyday techniques during our popular Life Hacks session. The Smart Moves in the Kitchen demonstration was another standout, giving attendees the chance to practice real-world skills and discover creative approaches for greater independence in the kitchen. These sessions provided valuable takeaways participants can use long after the conference.
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5) CLINICIAN ONLY WORKSHOP
Clinicians Day brought together 75 rehabilitation professionals for a day of education, collaboration, & learning. The program featured detailed case studies, offering real-world insight into treatment approaches & lived experiences across varying levels of limb difference. A dedicated breakout session focused specifically on the unique challenges faced by individuals with quad limb loss, fostering meaningful discussion & problem-solving among attendees. The day strengthened clinical knowledge, deepened understanding, & helped equip providers with practical tools to better support this unique limb-different community.
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6) CORNHOLE, SPEED FRIENDING, KARAOKE, PINATA AND MORE
SFL 7 offered plenty of opportunities for attendees to unwind, have fun, & build meaningful connections beyond the sessions. From the competitive cornhole tournament, Karaoke and high-energy All Star Bash to the creative trucker hat decorating activity & the always-popular piñata, there was something for everyone. Our new Speed Friending activity helped adults meet new people quickly and comfortably, while children enjoyed engaging fun throughout the week. These social moments added joy, laughter, and community spirit to the conference—reminding us that connection is just as important as education.
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7) SKILLS EXCHANGE WITH SAM IS NOW A PODCAST
Samoana Matagi has hosted our monthly Skills Exchange Series (SES) calls, creating a welcoming space for conversation, shared experience, and practical learning. This year, that work evolved into something even bigger—the launch of the Skills Exchange Podcast. The first episode premiered on December 5th, featuring interviews with first-time SFL attendees who share honest insights about their experiences, expectations, and what it meant to connect with the community for the first time. Stay tuned—upcoming episodes will continue to expand on the topics you’re interested in!
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8) RONNIE'S 7th ANNUAL BOWLING TOURNAMENT
In February, Ronnie’s beloved Bowling Tournament once again brought our community together for a day of fun and purpose, raising an impressive $25,811 to support Skills for Life programs and help individuals attend future conferences. We extend our deepest gratitude to Ronnie for his years of dedication, passion, and hard work in hosting this annual event. As he steps into a well-deserved retirement from organizing the tournament, we celebrate the lasting impact he’s made and the countless lives his efforts have supported.
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9) ANDY'S 3rd ANNUAL ROCK N' BOWL
In September, Andy’s annual Rock & Bowl Tournament brought together supporters for a fun-filled weekend of performances and meals at VFW Medina, a trip to Pro Football Hall of Fame, bowling, community, and generosity—all in support of Enhancing Skills for Life. Thanks to incredible participation and heartfelt giving, the event raised an outstanding $36,037. We’re grateful to Andy and everyone who helped make this fundraiser such a success! Mark your calendars for #4, September 11-13, 2026!
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10) GROWING UP HANDS FREE ROUNDTABLE
In August, we proudly released Growing Up Hands Free, the second installment of our Hands Free Parenting resources. This new guide focuses on supporting parents raising children without hands, arms, or more limbs, offering practical strategies, lived-experience insights, and real-world problem-solving. Thoughtfully designed and community-informed, Growing Up Hands Free provides families with guidance, reassurance, and a valuable toolkit to help children thrive with confidence and independence.
| | | ENHANCING SKILLS FOR LIFE | www.enhancingskillsforlife.org | | | | | |
