New amputee support group forms in Sun City

A support group for amputees or people facing an amputation has recently formed in Sun City. The Sun City Amputee group provides amputees and their families with an opportunity to talk to other amputees, share experiences and ideas, and get questions answered regarding the amputation or prosthetic devices.

Dave Melrose, 63, of Sun City, is the group's president and Richard Vela is the groups’ vice president. Melrose, a recent amputee, is leading the group as a way to help others face what he faced. "I was shocked when I learned that my diabetes complications had gotten so serious. I procrastinated, and when I finally went to see my podiatrist, I was sent to the emergency room immediately. Three days later, my left leg was gone."

While the rehabilitation process takes time, it only took Dave a few months to return to one of his favorite pastimes, dancing. "I danced every week for years before the amputation, and last week, I got to go dancing again. It was a great feeling." Now he wants to help mentor others with the recovery process, providing a way for amputees to develop a network of people who can help them. "I am blessed to be alive, and I want to help others cope with this challenge." Vela lost his limb in an accident, and is also interested in helping other amputees. “I was a spectator at a race track, when a car veered off the track and hit me. I was shocked to only lose one leg in the accident.” Richard stays active with outdoor activities and cycling.

The group meets monthly to discuss ideas for everyday living, ways to get more active, and tips for getting the most out of a prosthetic limb. Certified prosthetists are also available to answer questions.

The support group is free of charge and meets monthly, on the first Tuesday of every month at 4pm at Hamilton Prosthetic & Orthotic Center, in the La Ronde shopping center at 14821 Del Webb Blvd, Sun City.

Space is limited, call 623-815-1001 to reserve a spot. For more information about the group, call Dave Melrose at 623- (623) 972-0144 or Richard Vela at (602) 793-6289.

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The Process

Many people facing the loss of a limb often feel anxious and very alone. We can help.

Our team can help you through the process. Before surgery, contact our office to arrange a pre-surgical evaluation. There is no cost for this service. Our administrator will review insurance and co-pay information and you will receive a consultation with one of our experienced prosthetists who can alleviate your fears and prepare you for what lies ahead.

After your surgery, your prosthetist will help you with the healing process and begin your prosthetic care. It is important that you feel free to ask any questions and share any concerns with your prosthetist so you receive maximum benefit from your prosthesis. Every amputation is different and the shape of the residual limb is uniquely yours, so your prosthesis will be custom made to meet your needs. Your prosthetist will spend hours and days with you during the fitting process and for the rest of your life.

Many patients return to an active, vibrant lifestyle and find there is life after an amputation.

For more information contact (602) 395-3354

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Patient and Professional Resources

Publications, support groups and sites serving amputees.

ACA Publications: First Step: A Guide for Adapting to Limb Loss (published biannually), inMotion Magazine (published biennially), Connections, Expectations: Parenting Children and Teens with Limb Differences, and Senior Step.

Amputee Coalition of America
900 E. Hill Ave., Ste. 205
Knoxville, TN 37915-2566
888/AMP-KNOW (888/267-5669)
www.amputee-coalition.org

ActiveLiving A health, fitness and recreation magazine for people with disabilites.
Published bi-monthly.
Disability Today Publishing Group
2276 Rosedene Rd.
St. Ann’s, ON Canada, LOR1YO
(905) 957-6016
www.activeliving.com

Amputee Golfer Magazine Official publication of the
National Amputee Golf Association.
11 Walnut Hill Road
Amherst, NH 03031
(800) 633-NAGA (6242)
www.nagagolf.org

Challenge published quarterly by
Disabled Sports USA
451 Hungerford Dr. - Suite 100
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 217-9841
www.dsusa.org

Limbs for Life Foundation
attn. Craig Gavras
5929 N. May, Ste 511
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
888-235-5462
405-843-5174
www.limbsforlife.org

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Amputee Related Books
Most of the books listed below may be found in bookstores or online.
On The Ragged Edge Of Drop Dead Gorgeous by Ivy Gunter & Paul Kartsonis
The courageous story of a New York model who lost her leg to cancer.
Coping With Limb Loss by Ellen Winchell, PhD
A practical guide to living with amputation for you and your family.
A Victory For Humanity by Dick Traum, PhD & Mike Celizic
The story of Dick Traum and the evolution of the Achilles track club for people with disabilities.
The Novel Approach to Sexuality and Disability by Georgie Maxfield
Entertaining, often funny, educational and interesting approach to disability and its effects on sexual relationships.

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Websites and Publications for Amputees

• Amputee Coalition of America
• The Barr Foundation
• Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund
• Limbs For Life
• HemiPelvectomy and Hip-Disarticulation Help
• Above Knee Amputee
• Amputation Online Magazine
• A Manual for Below-Knee Amputees
• A Manual for Above-Knee Amputees
• Amputee Coalition of America
• The Barr Foundation
• Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund
• Limbless Association (UK)
• HemiPelvectomy and Hip-Disarticulation Help
• On The Other Hand - info for parents, relatives, and friends of children with hand anomalies

Orthotists & Prosthetists Organizations

ORGANIZATIONS:
• Academy - American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists
• ABC - American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics
• ACA - Amputee Coalition of America
• ACPOC - The Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics
• AOPA - American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association
• DSUSA - Disabled Sports USA
• ISPO - International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics
• NAAOP - National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics
• NCOPE - National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education
• NPOLF - National P&O Licensing Fund

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New amputee support group forms in Sun City A support group for amputees or people facing an amputation has recently formed in Sun City. The Sun City Amputee group provides amputees and their families with an opportunity to talk to other amputees, share experiences and ideas, and get questions answered regarding the amputation or prosthetic devices. Dave Melrose, 63, of Sun City, is the group's president and Richard Vela is the groups’ vice president. Melrose, a recent amputee, is leading the group as a way to help others face what he faced. "I was shocked when I learned that my diabetes complications had gotten so serious. I procrastinated, and when I finally went to see my podiatrist, I was sent to the emergency room immediately. Three days later, my left leg was gone." While the rehabilitation process takes time, it only took Dave a few months to return to one of his favorite pastimes, dancing. "I danced every week for years before the amputation, and last week, I got to go dancing again. It was a great feeling." Now he wants to help mentor others with the recovery process, providing a way for amputees to develop a network of people who can help them. "I am blessed to be alive, and I want to help others cope with this challenge." Vela lost his limb in an accident, and is also interested in helping other amputees. “I was a spectator at a race track, when a car veered off the track and hit me. I was shocked to only lose one leg in the accident.” Richard stays active with outdoor activities and cycling. The group meets monthly to discuss ideas for everyday living, ways to get more active, and tips for getting the most out of a prosthetic limb. Certified prosthetists are also available to answer questions. The support group is free of charge and meets monthly, on the first Tuesday of every month at 4pm at Hamilton Prosthetic & Orthotic Center, in the La Ronde shopping center at 14821 Del Webb Blvd, Sun City. Space is limited, call 623-815-1001 to reserve a spot. For more information about the group, call Dave Melrose at 623- (623) 972-0144 or Richard Vela at (602) 793-6289. to the Top ^ The Process Many people facing the loss of a limb often feel anxious and very alone. We can help. Our team can help you through the process. Before surgery, contact our office to arrange a pre-surgical evaluation. There is no cost for this service. Our administrator will review insurance and co-pay information and you will receive a consultation with one of our experienced prosthetists who can alleviate your fears and prepare you for what lies ahead. After your surgery, your prosthetist will help you with the healing process and begin your prosthetic care. It is important that you feel free to ask any questions and share any concerns with your prosthetist so you receive maximum benefit from your prosthesis. Every amputation is different and the shape of the residual limb is uniquely yours, so your prosthesis will be custom made to meet your needs. Your prosthetist will spend hours and days with you during the fitting process and for the rest of your life. Many patients return to an active, vibrant lifestyle and find there is life after an amputation. For more information contact (602) 395-3354 to the Top ^ Patient and Professional Resources Publications, support groups and sites serving amputees. ACA Publications: First Step: A Guide for Adapting to Limb Loss (published biannually), inMotion Magazine (published biennially), Connections, Expectations: Parenting Children and Teens with Limb Differences, and Senior Step. Amputee Coalition of America 900 E. Hill Ave., Ste. 205 Knoxville, TN 37915-2566 888/AMP-KNOW (888/267-5669) www.amputee-coalition.org ActiveLiving A health, fitness and recreation magazine for people with disabilites. Published bi-monthly. Disability Today Publishing Group 2276 Rosedene Rd. St. Ann’s, ON Canada, LOR1YO (905) 957-6016 www.activeliving.com Amputee Golfer Magazine Official publication of the National Amputee Golf Association. 11 Walnut Hill Road Amherst, NH 03031 (800) 633-NAGA (6242) www.nagagolf.org Challenge published quarterly by Disabled Sports USA 451 Hungerford Dr. - Suite 100 Rockville, MD 20850 (301) 217-9841 www.dsusa.org Limbs for Life Foundation attn. Craig Gavras 5929 N. May, Ste 511 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 888-235-5462 405-843-5174 www.limbsforlife.org to the Top ^ Amputee Related Books Most of the books listed below may be found in bookstores or online. On The Ragged Edge Of Drop Dead Gorgeous by Ivy Gunter & Paul Kartsonis The courageous story of a New York model who lost her leg to cancer. Coping With Limb Loss by Ellen Winchell, PhD A practical guide to living with amputation for you and your family. A Victory For Humanity by Dick Traum, PhD & Mike Celizic The story of Dick Traum and the evolution of the Achilles track club for people with disabilities. The Novel Approach to Sexuality and Disability by Georgie Maxfield Entertaining, often funny, educational and interesting approach to disability and its effects on sexual relationships. to the Top ^ Websites and Publications for Amputees • Amputee Coalition of America • The Barr Foundation • Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund • Limbs For Life • HemiPelvectomy and Hip-Disarticulation Help • Above Knee Amputee • Amputation Online Magazine • A Manual for Below-Knee Amputees • A Manual for Above-Knee Amputees • Amputee Coalition of America • The Barr Foundation • Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund • Limbless Association (UK) • HemiPelvectomy and Hip-Disarticulation Help • On The Other Hand - info for parents, relatives, and friends of children with hand anomalies Orthotists & Prosthetists Organizations ORGANIZATIONS: • Academy - American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists • ABC - American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics • ACA - Amputee Coalition of America • ACPOC - The Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics • AOPA - American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association • DSUSA - Disabled Sports USA • ISPO - International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics • NAAOP - National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics • NCOPE - National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education • NPOLF - National P&O Licensing Fund to the Top ^

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