The Active Amputee

Post by Bjoern Eser ⎮ May 27, 2020 ⎮ Inform & inspire

Going global: CoRSU in Uganda part IV 

Welcome to part IV of our mini-series. The physical limitations that often go hand in hand with an amputation are only one aspect of living with a disability. Stigmatization and social exclusion are other aspects that need to be overcome. CoRSU is working with a wholistic approach to assist people with disabilities to fully participate in all the activities of their communities and live a life in dignity. Providing amputees with a prosthetic device is often only the first step in a long rehabilitation process. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser ⎮ May 20, 2020 ⎮ Inform & inspire

Going global: CoRSU in Uganda part III 

Welcome to part III of this special mini series. While last time you got to know Miracle, one of the many people whose life was changed by CoRSU, I would like you meet Moses today, the head of the prosthetic unit at the centre. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser ⎮ May 13, 2020 ⎮ Inform & inspire

Going global: CoRSU in Uganda part II 

Welcome to part II of our special mini series on the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services in Uganda (CoRSU) Hospital in Entebbe. Today you meet a little boy named Miracle. One of the many patients who benefited from the great services that the CoRSU team offers. Having access to a police like CoRSU is often the deciding factor between a life in dignity, fully integrated into society and a life on the margins of the community, excluded and dependent on others. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser ⎮ May 11, 2020 ⎮ Inform & inspire

Another podcast episode is out now 

After a very hectic two months in which adjusting to the special Corona situation dominated my daily routines - moving my business online, getting used to home schooling three kids, organising the weekly supply runs for a family of six withour a car etc. - things are slowly returning to a more manageble pace. And with this new pace, it's time for a new episode of The Active Amputee Podcast. read more

Guest post by the CoRSU ⎮ May 16, 2020 ⎮ Inform & inspire

Going global: CoRSU in Uganda part I 

Since its foundation in 2006 CoRSU has changed the lives of thousands of people in East Afrika. And this  special mini series of The Active Amputee is dedicated to this amazing organisation and the impressive services they are providing, day in day out.  Today’s post will provide you with some background information of what it means to be disabled in Uganda. In the next post you will meet some of the patients and later on you will hear from one of the volunteers who is committed to making in difference in the lives of the people for whom CoRSU is often the only hope. read more

Guest post by Access Adventures ⎮ March 11, 2020 ⎮ Inform & inspire

It's all about getting out there and trying something new 

Fancy trying water-skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, biking, kiting or skiing? All suitable for amputees. Access Adventures is a non-profit organisation, aiming to improve the quality of life for people with physical disabilities through organising outdoor adaptive camps. Learn more about what they can offer and their ever-growing program. read more

Guest post by Kendra Herber ⎮ March 4, 2020 ⎮ Inform & inspire

Book by Kendra Herber: Whole: A leg up on life 

Imagine having to take the decision to amputate your child’s foot. That is the decision Kendra's parents were faced with when she was born with a malformed foot. Years later Kendra puts her experiences into words, writes them down and publishes her memoirs. 'WHOLE: A Leg Up On Life' invites you to learn more about her journey. In her bookl Kendra is open about her stuggles but never gives in to stereotypes. Her biography is a life-affirming testimony to her inner strength and courage. And today Kendra tells us a bit about her new book and why she wrote it. read more

Guest post by Fernando Costa Jr. ⎮ February 26, 2020 ⎮ Inform

ID ETHNOS and its amazing prosthetic covers

Confetti is ID ETHNOS' signature piece: One of the world's first mass-produced colourful and adaptable prosthetic leg covers for above-the-knee amputees. Its purpose is both functional but even more so emotional as it assists the amputee's rehabilitation process through boosting his or her self-esteem. And all this while being very affordable. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser ⎮ February 19, 2020 ⎮ Inform

Sitting volleyball: Action for team players

This was actually the first regular sport I took up after the amputation. And I still think it’s one of the most exciting sports for people with lower limb difficulties. Why do I think so? Well, it’s fast, it’s action-packed, it demands a high level of fitness, quick reactions combined with good ball-handling skills and a commitment to your team. And you can easily play it in mixed teams of pople with and without disabilities. A great combination, if you ask me. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser ⎮ February 12, 2020 ⎮ Inform & inspire

Remembering Patrice Méaume!

It is with great sadness that I learned about the passing of Patrice Méaume. Late last year, Patrice died from a heart attack while out playing soccer. Patrice was an incredible artist and an outspoken advocate for people with a disability. He constantly tried to shift the narrative. For him being disabled had nothing to do with being either the object of pity or heroism. With a witty sense of humour and a keen eye he portrait us as we are. His work celebrates the immense richness of our lives. Patrice was featured on The Active Amputee in April of 2019. Today I am reposting his pictures and the short texts he  sent me back then. Today I want to remember Patrice, his work and his efforts as a disability rights advocate. read more

Guest post by Anoushé Husain ⎮ February 5, 2020 ⎮ Inform

What does inspirational actually mean?

"I'm not sure how many times I have been called inspirational in my life. If I was given a penny for every time, I'd have a mansion by now. The word makes me hugely uncomfortable and I know I'm not the only one who is differently-abled or different that feels this. For this article, I decided to dig a bit deeper and work out why I feel the way I do." read more

Guest post by Angelina Emily Boulicault ⎮ January 29, 2020 ⎮ Inform& inspire

Enjoying the great outdoors as a below knee amputee

Daily activities can be a little bit challenging when you’re missing a leg. Now add the weight of a pack, and varying elevations on uneven terrain out in the mountains and you are definitely going to see how not graceful I am. But so what? This post is going to talk about how to get outdoors and see these beautiful places even as an amputee. read more

Guest post by Joana Waterton ⎮ January 22, 2020 ⎮ Inform

You need to find your own way to deal with stump pain

Joanna lost her left foot and 2” of her left leg in a mountaineering accident in Switzerland in the summer of 2005.  Whilst climbing the Taschhorn-Dom traverse, she was caught in an unforcasted storm, benighted, and then avalanched whilst descending the following morning. Today she describes her very own ways of dealing with stump pain. Chemical painkillers are only a last resort. read more

Guest post by Aurélie Loaec ⎮ January 15, 2020 ⎮ Inform, inspire & engage

Hands-on travel advice for poeple with limb differences

"For the first time, in April 2015, I travelled far away from France. For years, I wanted to discover other cultures. So when I finished my studies I didn't hesitate and bought a flight ticket to Japan. Three amazing weeks! During these vacations in the country of the rising sun I caught the travel bug and I realised this passion was about to become a central part of my life." That's how Aurélie's amazing story started a few years ago. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser ⎮ January 12, 2020 ⎮ Inform, inspire & engage

One year on from the 888m climbing challenge

Wow, how time flies. It has been a year ago that I took on the 888m climbing challenge to raise funds for The Active Amputee. And what a year it has been. A year full of engagements with amazing amputees; a year in which the daily routine has regularly been pierced by memory-making moments out in the wild; a year full of challenges in relation to my work, my health and the way we live. And a year in which I was forced to step back from some of my commitments, take a break, recharge my batteries and refocus my priorities. Now - 12 months later - The Active Amputee is back in full swing. New articles are in the making, new cooperations are developing and new and exciting projects are being hatched. read more

Guest post by Crystal Chigbu  ⎮ January 08, 2020 ⎮ Inform, inspire & engage

Adressing sociual stigma and physical needs in Nigeira

Crystal's personal experience of raising a daughter with a missing tibia and knee cap inspired the set-up of The IREDE Foundation. The IREDE Foundation educates and creates awareness on amputation and limb loss among the general public, hoping to reduce stigmatisation to the barest minimum. They help people with limb loss and run a support group for amputees and their families. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser ⎮ January 1, 2020 ⎮ Inform, inspire & engage

Five Instagram accounts to follow in 2020

January 1, 2020. The first day of the new year. Well, actually the first day of the new decade. And thus a great day to kick off a new and exciting year for The Active Amputee. Today I would like to recommend five people to you whose Instagram accounts you should follow in 2020. And… drum roll please… the five people to watch are the following. read more