Shining a green light on amputees

WITH National Amputee Week running the first full week during October, the loss of limb community are hoping to spread some awareness and connectivity.

The week of celebration is spearheaded by Australia’s peak amputee body, Limbs for Life, who are hoping to shine a light on the number of people with have lost an arm or leg and remind community members that they are not alone.

Limbs for Life CEO Melissa Noonan said she kick started the organisation because of the challenges she faced throughout her amputation experience.

“I founded the organisation in 2004 as I was involved in a major trauma accident the year prior and I struggled to get access to information and additional support,” she said.

“I figured I have a second chance of life, I want to take the opportunity to give something back.

“Amputee Week is special to me because it’s a way of bringing community together, helping people to not just accept but celebrate life and achievements as a person with a disability or amputation.”

During the week, here in Ballarat several locations in town including the Town Hall clock tower, the fountain on Lake Wendouree and on Lake Penhalluriack will be lit up with a green light in honour of the event.

Ms Noonan said shining the green lights is a great way for people within the community to get involved in a COVID safe and easy way.

“It’s nice to have things on a local scale because it gives them something to look forward to,” she said.

“Our goal is that each year we will build and have more and more landmarks lit up.

“We’re also in contact with nurses and staff who run events and morning teas …. [and] we run a green ribbon campaign where we encourage people to take a picture with their ribbon and send it to us as a way to promote inclusion.”

While not an amputee himself, Ballarat Amputee Group’s new president Bill Stephens is familiar with the challenges faced by the community as he is a carer for his wife who lost a limb.

Mr Stephens said while it’s been a hard time to connect with the community, the work done by the Ballarat group and Limbs for Life is essential in making future amputees experiences easier.

“We’re handicapped by the virus which means we can’t celebrate the week like we usually would,” he said.

“Being the new president at this time and not being able to meet up with all the amputees, I’ve found it daunting.

“What Limbs for Life do is incredible… but there needs to be more information and support out there for people who are going through an amputation, that’s what we’re trying to do.”