Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month

Did you know that every day, more than 500 people in the U.S. lose a limb, and it is estimated that, by 2050, the number of people living with limb loss will nearly double?

More than 2.7 million people live with limb loss or limb difference in the United States.

Limb loss affects people of all backgrounds, all income levels, and all ages.

Some are born with limb loss, also known as congenital limb deficiency.

Others may lose limbs due to complications, such as infections, trauma, or cancer.

Established in 2011 by the Amputee Coalition, Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month (LLLDAM) is an event which happens every April to raise awareness for and empower those affected to share their stories. To recognize this event, we will help show why your support matters and how you can support people with limb loss and limb difference.

Why does my support matter? Why should I care? How much can I really do to help?

These are common questions you might be asking yourself this April. Progress comes through the support that we all give together. Your letter out of the 5,000 received by your senator might finally push them to make more equitable decisions. Your $5 to the Amputee Coalition might go to the advocacy campaign that helps patients acquire devices to assist them in returning to normal functions.

Every single person's contribution is essential to the success of the event. Our goal is to reach out and empower people affected by limb loss and limb difference to achieve their full potential through education, support, and advocacy. Your support will make a difference in someone's life.

Here are three ways that you can help support.

1. Show your support on social media!

An easy way to show your support is by changing your profile to have a LLLDAM ribbon and information somewhere. This can be your profile photo, cover photo, story or regular posts. Check out Amputee Coalition's communications tool kit for resources!

2. Shop to support individuals with limb loss/limb difference!

Everyone knows that you can directly make a donation, but you can also raise money for limb loss research and advocacy by making conscious choices with your purchases. The Amputee Coalition store sells t-shirts and merch, which directly go to support Amputee Coalition programs. Finding disability-owned businesses is another opportunity for you to support entrepreneurs with limb loss and limb difference.

3. Support mental health initiatives!

Taking care of your brain is an important task for everyone. Unfortunately, 36 percent of people with limb loss/limb difference experience depression. Please

check out Amputee Coalition's Emotional Recovery fact sheet for more information and programs to support.

Please help us in continuing to spread awareness and support by sharing this post! People with limb loss/limb difference are people too. They deserve equality, support, and fair treatment, just like everyone else.

For any patients, people with limb loss/limb difference or families/friends of, please visit our Patient Resources page for resources you can utilize. These include sports and recreation groups, children's resources, veterans' resources, and much more. We also encourage you to view our Prosthetic Solutions page in order to view some of the options that might be best for you!