The War Amps Put the Future in Focus for Young and Old
2018 was the 100th anniversary of the War Amps organization and its efforts to have amputees help amputees to adapt to the challenges associated with amputation. The War Amps programs have expanded and changed during its tenure, and it looks forward to continuing its mission in a country the founding World War I veterans would scarcely recognize.
Rob Larman was just fourteen when his life changed forever and his future path was set. Against his father's advice, young Rob was playing with friends around train tracks when the unthinkable happened, and Rob's right leg was irreparably damaged.
When Rob awoke in hospital to his new reality, he was angry. At his bedside stood a man who told him he would be up and around in no time. In his anger, Rob took strips off this well-meaning stranger until the man did something that shocked young Rob. The man lifted his pantleg to reveal an artificial limb. Rob's anger rapidly cooled as he realized the man knew what he was talking about.
This was Rob's introduction to War Amps, an organization he now works for. In the forty-something years that have elapsed since that introduction, War Amps has aided over 20,000 children by helping them and their families deal with the challenges associated with the loss of a limb, such as acquiring artificial limbs, dealing with the attitudes of others and integrating themselves back into active, social living.
The Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program began in 1975. Rob was one of its early graduates. Like all War Amps programs, the CHAMP program is funded by donations, much of which are raised through the long-standing key tag program. Rob is the Director of the PLAYSAFE and DRIVESAFE programs.
The War Amps carry the torch of remembrance for the WWI vets who saw a need but also carry the torch of legacy by expanding from the veterans program to serve child and adult amputees. Apart from accidents, one of the main causes of limb loss is diabetes, affecting more than 10,000 people annually. The demand for outreach is growing and The War Amps strive to provide it.
War Amps programs help with the acquisition of assistive devices and artificial limbs, including their costs which can range from $15,000 to more than $65,000, but just as importantly help new amputees to develop positive attitudes and expectations.