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August 2026 Newsletter
To empower, educate and connect people living without both hands or more
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Message from ESFL Executive Director
Hello Everyone!
We have some exciting announcements regarding new ESFL team members to share next month so make sure to stay tuned to our social media and of course our monthly newsletters.
Whether you've donated, volunteered, participated in a program, or simply helped spread the word, thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we're building a stronger, more connected community and creating opportunities that empower individuals to live with greater confidence, independence, and possibility.
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Support ESFL Year Round
ESFL is pleased to announce digital sponsorship opportunities! It's a meaningful way to support ESFL's mission and help sustain the life-changing programs, services, and connections we provide throughout the year and not just once every three years when the SFL workshops come around.
Digital Sponsorship Prospectus
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Please keep scrolling for all of the latest ESFL news and updates.
Warm Regards,
| | | ESFL News, Tips & Resources | |
Andy Mattox's 4th Annual
Rock N Bowl Fundraiser!
Be sure to make your hotel reservation before August 15th!!
See Andy's Website for scholarship info and more. Information is also included in the "Events" section below.
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United Airlines MileagePlus Miles on a Mission
Turn Airline Miles into Meaningful Connections!
Don't forget we are hoping to raise 1,000,000 miles in our United Airlines MileagePlus® Miles on a Mission campaign! At the time of this August newsletter, we have about 30 days remaining and thanks to all of your support, we have raised a little over 500,000 miles!! Our hope is to support approximately 30 people travel to our ESFL events, including Skills for Life 8 in 2028! With just a minimum donation of 100 miles, you can support ESFL and our mission to ensure no one ever feels alone in their journey without both hands or more. More information can be found on the Miles on a Mission website.
Donate Today
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Support, Peer Connections, ADL Hotline
How to reach us for help, suggestions or request someone to get in touch
Did you know?
We offer peer support/connections in various forms. It might be an introduction by email ot text, a connection with an individual or group via zoom, or it could be an email with links to helpful resources. Maybe you are new to this community and don't know where to start? Or maybe you have been around awhile, but would like to more independent with certain self-care tasks like dressing, bathing, toileting or eating. Maybe you want to connect with other parents of limb different children?
You can contact us and we will get you connected with someone or maybe a group of people who are willing to help.
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Hands Free Catalog
What Items are we Missing?
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
Submit Pics Using Your Items
We would love to show some examples of our community using hands free resources. Share your success with hands free items by sending a photo and we can include it in the newsletter. If you want to create a video, let us know. Send photos or videos to mj.dillard@comcast.net
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Are you new to the Limb Difference/Amputee Community?
Let's talk -
Before I became an amputee from sepsis, I was fiercely independent. I am married and I had just retired from a long professional career while managing the household that included taking care of my 92-year-old father. Overnight I became totally dependent on others for everything. That was quite an adjustment. It is hard work to start over and relearn how to do things.
Although the road to independence is hard work, it is well worth the effort.
I noticed that as I improved my walking and was able to start driving, I lost a little dexterity in my residual arm limbs. I was frustrated with myself until my physical therapist pointed out that it was normal. Motor development is a continuous learning process, not a single linear path — each new skill builds on the last and can “reset” or shift to more efficient movement patterns. Just like a baby transition from crawling to walking. Have patience with yourself, allow yourself to fail, don't say no to new things.
Recovery after limb loss doesn't just affect the person who experienced the amputation—it impacts the entire family. Every journey is different. Some people are surrounded by incredible support from a spouse, partner, family member, or friend. Others find themselves navigating that transition on their own, whether by circumstance or choice. I am deeply grateful for my husband's unwavering support and encouragement. At the same time, one of my greatest goals is to become as independent as possible—for both of us. Along the way, I've met so many remarkable people who have rebuilt their lives independently, some while raising young children. Their resilience, determination, and strength are truly inspiring. There is no "right" way through this journey. Whether you're leaning on loved ones or finding your own path, every step forward is something to be proud of.
What has also impressed me is the friendliness of total strangers and their willingness to help. It could be anything from just holding a door open or, surprisingly, volunteering to assist in the restroom. I have recently been able to drive myself places and I find that I am never alone. There is always someone offering or willing to help if I get into a bind. I am learning how to ask for help, and I have never been disappointed.
If you have any stories about helpers or volunteers you would like to share for a future newsletter my email is mj.dillard@comast.net.
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MJ Dillard
Quad Amputee
Retired Engineer
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ESFL Skills Exchange Podcast
Join the Discussion!
Samoana Matagi spoke with Andy Mattox about his annual fundraiser weekend in Medina, OH. Give it a listen whenver you have some time and PLEASE make sure to share in case the weekend in Ohio might be a good fit for someone you know.
For our next episode we will talk with Art Brownstein, Executive Director of The No White Flags Project (NWF). This will be a great way to learn about how to apply for a bidet and a body dryer and learn more about NWF!
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.
| | | Upcoming Events & Programs | | | |
Camp NO LIMITS
Camps for children with limb loss/limb difference and their family members. 12 camps hosted in various locations throughout the US.
Website
Various
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Andy Mattox's 4th Rock and Bowl
Fundraiser
See website for scholarship application and details about the weekend.
Website
Medina, OH
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AOPA National Assembly
Education, Networking and an Exhiibit Hall for clinicians, business leaders and researchers.
Website
Las Vegas, NV
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Medical & Health Symposium
Join thousands of medical and legal professionals virtually from across Ohio and beyond for three days of learning, collaboration, and innovation. Together, we'll shape the future of occupational health, workers' compensation, and workplace injury prevention.
Website
Virtual (FREE)
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Hanger Empowerfest
For people with limb loss or limb difference, a place to discover teh power of shared experiences. Empowerfest provides opportunities to learn from healthcare professionals and peers.
Website
San Jose, CA
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Get Involved!
If you have ever considered getting involved with Enhancing Skills for Life, we would love to hear from you! If you have the time, interest or passion to support ESFL's mission, email us, let's talk! We have both paid positions and volunteer opportunities. We need help in the following areas:
- Fundraising/Development
- Board of Directors
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Enhancing Skills for Life
(About Us)
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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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