Life and Limb

Dr. Debra Latour, owner of Single-Handed Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in upper limb absence, explains the importance of occupational therapy before being fitted with a prosthesis and throughout our lives as amputees. A congenital arm amputee, Debi is joined by colleague Bob Radocy. After losing his left hand 50 years ago and not being satisfied with prosthetic technology available for him at the time, Bob launched TRS to design alternative body-powered prosthetic devices for arm amputees. He revolutionized the industry with his development of a voluntary-closing device as an alternative to the traditional hook, as well as activity-specific inventions of all kinds. Bob now consults to Fillauer-owned TRS and like Debi, is a presenter, author and video series co-host.

David has a proven track record of fixing complex problems. A mechanical engineer, he now leads technical teams on major projects for the B.C. government. He loves boating and lives the marine life, literally. His 46-foot Bayliner is his full-time home. He’s a sailor and scuba diver and was a longtime motorcyclist. Three years ago a motorcycle accident changed the course of David's life. Rather than letting the amputation of his left leg above the knee become his whole story, he approached it like he approaches engineering… “another problem to work through.” And like good seamanship, he says, “It’s not about proving what you can handle. It’s about deciding what you should.”

A registered nurse and now a certified life coach, Leslie Karmazinuk brings with her a story of deep resilience. After decades as a healthcare executive, she navigated multiple life-altering events — surviving cancer three times, one time with a fours-months-to-live diagnosis. She has endured the loss of her husband, a devastating event on her home, as well as multiple amputations, the last resulting in her becoming a below-knee amputee. But she rebuilt… physically, emotionally, and professionally, and today she, alongside her daughter as her business partner at Karma Coaching Insights, helps others move past trauma and adversity.

Tracy MacCharles, the former Ontario Minister of Accessibility, never planned to be a politician until she saw a newspaper article announcing the retirement of the then-current MPP. And so, with no experience as a politician, her political journey began. Tracy never planned to be an amputee either despite being just hours away from the amputation of her left leg as a teenager with cancer. At the last minute, a limb-saving surgery was presented. At age 59 she became an above-knee amputee. Tracy knew disability well, professionally and personally as her now-late husband was a wheelchair user and prominent figure in the disability community. But she didn’t know about living with an amputation. And so, her limb loss journey began. Tracy shares how she has navigated her limb loss journey.

Presented by Ottobock Healthcare, this episode welcomes Prince Edward Island’s Lucas Arsenault, a former professional kiteboarder and national champion. Making a living in the ocean as a kiteboarder has its risks, but Arsenault never imagined losing his leg while snorkeling between competitions. A shark attack just two years ago in Turks and Caicos left him an above-knee amputee. Now as a keynote speaker, he shares his perspectives around gratitude and life-change with audiences across the country. He’s joined on the podcast by Aaron Holm, a 20-year-amputee (bilateral above-the-knee) and Head of Consumer Engagement at Ottobock, a global leader in prosthetics, medical technology and clinical care.

Angie Sandow is an inspirational speaker, humourist and musician who captivates audiences of all ages with her powerful performances and story of resilience. She shares insights on responding to challenges related to her limb difference, primarily others’ attitudes toward her. Finding strength in adversity, and in her love for music, football and motorcycles, she’s a big proponent of “getting out of our comfort zones”. The subject of a documentary film and the author of “From Chemo to Throttle”, Angie emphasizes that “accountability resides within.”

Lynn DeCola is a retired prosthetist, orthotist and technician, and now an amputee coach with clients across Canada and the U.S. through her Florida-based company Lifelong Prosthetics. She’s a Mental Health First Aider, a writer, and an international online amputee support group host, which she founded, called Amputees Preparing Amputees for Life. Lynn truly understands the unique challenges that we face as amputees, because she is one herself, an above-the-knee amputee of over 30 years. Lynn DeCola is all about getting her clients back to living their best life after amputation by bridging gaps in information and care... great advice for amputees of all ages and stages.

After experiencing life-changing amputations several years ago, Kevin Gray quickly discovered the power of connection. During his rehab and recovery he met others who were searching for the same thing — honest conversation, guidance, and hope from people who had been there. Those early conversations became the foundation for something much greater. Today, Kevin is the founder and CEO of Limb Loss Connection (LLC), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting and supporting individuals living with limb loss and limb difference. Kevin shares his vision for LLC and Canada’s amputee community.

Growing up in Victoria, British Columbia, possibilities in life were boundless for teenaged Andrea Swallow. Her teenage years were good, with social, athletic and academic endeavours accompanied by no more angst and pressures than that of other typical youth around her. Then she became an amputee, a survivor of a motorcycle accident. In a thrive magazine feature several years ago, Andrea shared what she would say to her younger self, equipped with what she knows now about acceptance, joy, self-care, peer support, emotional health and the impact of trauma. Now an amputee of 38 years, she ponders her future self, and shares how she is harking back to the advice she had for her younger self as she adapts to her life’s next uncharted stage.

In so many ways, Rouzalin “Roz” Hakim was transformed in ways she could never have imagined with the loss of her left leg above the knee four years ago. Today, she’s a force in the amputee community, especially when it comes to peer support. But not just that. She’s also a respected author, public speaker and advocate for the amputee community. And what makes her so unique is her complete honesty and transparency about her difficult journey after her motorcycle accident. She celebrates her victories big and small, and finds a lot of pride and joy in her accomplishments. At the same time, she’s true to the person she was before her amputation. Roz still approaches life with zest, living a mile a minute sometimes.