Sticks and Stones…

Bullying is awful for any child. But for a child with limb abnormalities, bullying is even worse. My childhood was extremely difficult – in fact, preschool, elementary, and middle school were the most difficult periods in my life. Therefore, I’m sharing my insight regarding how to deal with it. People often make assumptions or impose…

What’s it like dating when you’re a female amputee?

My Background My name is Marina, and I’m currently 21 years old. I was born with bilateral lower extremity abnormalities. I had a bilateral above-knee amputation when I was fourteen months old. Ever since then, I have been wearing prosthetic legs. My physical disability has impacted me in all aspects of my life, but it…

Upcoming minor surgery

A lot has happened since I last posted on here, both good and bad. Thankfully, I’ve finally gotten accustomed to my C-legs. I’m also off the crutches. I even got my prosthesis cosmetically covered (foam). I feel happy with my current prosthetic legs, as well as more confident walking in them. Now… the bad news….

Personal Experience: How Other People See Prosthetics

Some people think that I get “special privileges” for being physically disabled. Back in high school, several exemplary students were chosen and given the opportunity to meet with UC advisors. These students were told that they were on the right track to go to a UC. There was one parent who went and complained to…

Problems with Fitting

I was incredibly thankful for finally getting new prosthetic legs. I ended up receiving them around December of 2014. Months after DOR gave me the authorization for prosthetic legs, I obtained coverage under both MediCal and MediCare. Unfortunately, my problems did not stop there. I was having several issues with my new prosthetic legs. I…

The Struggle for Coverage

Over the past few years since I entered adulthood, I have endured great hardship obtaining coverage for my prosthetic legs. I was a patient at Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children throughout my childhood. Since this hospital is a nonprofit organization, my amputation, prosthetic legs, and prosthetic needs were always covered. I loved this hospital because…

Growing Up My Way

My name is Marina, and I was born with bilateral lower extremity abnormalities. Doctors informed my parents that I had to have an amputation within a certain amount of time. The other option was to keep my legs – but I would have to sit in a wheelchair all my life. My parents decided on…