Heather Abbott: My Road to Recovery...My Road to Recovery Limb Loss Statistics •1.9 Million people...
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Heather Abbott: My Road to Recovery
Heather Abbott: My Road to Recovery...My Road to Recovery Limb Loss Statistics •1.9 Million people living with limb loss in the US* •185,000 amputations take place each year in
Limb Loss Statistics •1.9 Million people living with limb loss in the US*
•185,000 amputations take place each year in the US*
•Estimated medical care cost for an amputee for 50 year time frame is over $500,000*
•Prosthetic devices need to be replaced every 3-5 years for wear & tear* •In most cases, insurance covers some or all of the cost of one device and its replacements*
*Source: American Amputee Coalition
Vasular Disease, 82%
Trauma, 22%
Other, 4%
Cause for Amputations
Males 77%
Females 23%
Amputee Gender
Over 50 80%
Under 50 20%
Amputee Age
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Focus on logical thinking; I can’t change what happened to me Statistics became obvious as visitors arrived (Amputees from Amputee Coalition (mostly older – diabetes); Vets (mostly men; no cosmetic covers/more functional concerns) Began to be concerned about how I would look…. Would I be able to wear the same clothes, get dressed up, etc. Seemed insignificant, with all considered, but weighed on my mind. I later learned it was a huge concern for the other women amputees from the bombing (9 of 16)
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Vets talked about functionality; seemed great that I would be able to continue with an active lifestyle Began to be concerned about how I would look…. Would I be able to wear the same clothes, get dressed up, etc. Seemed insignificant, with all considered, but weighed on my mind. I later learned it was a huge concern for the other women amputees from the bombing (9 of 16)
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Aviva Drescher – RHONY Looks real/ still wear dresses/skirts Expensive
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First big fundraiser – while I was still in the hospital 1,500 people attended; raised over $60,000 Chathams and Andruzzi’s were there to show support
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Support from celebrities, political figures, sports teams
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We’ve become a family – we didn’t choose each other; however we’ve all got a very unique commonality Help each other through this Advice on prosthetics Share struggles/concerns
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Challenged Athletes Foundation Support Opportunity to see other amputees having success at active lifestyles Donated running leg – opportunity to be active again
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Opportunity to be recognized in various publications; tell my story
Heather_Abbott1
The Heather Abbott Foundation
Heather Abbott, Compliance/EEO Manager - Raytheon
www.heatherabbottfoundation.org MISSION The Heather Abbott Foundation helps provide customized prostheses to those who have suffered limb loss through traumatic circumstances.
