April marks Limb Loss Awareness Month in Canada and sparks awareness for those with amputations. One young boy, eight-year-old Cooper Bauer of Elkford, shows that an amputation is not a barrier to living a full, fun filled life.
Bauer was born a partial left hand amputee but is still able to take part in all of his favourite activities. With the help of artificial limbs and adaptive devices, Bauer lives his life just like an other young boy.
“Cooper is a very active boy and thanks to The War Amps, he has been fitted wit devices that allow him to participate in activities like biking, swimming and hockey,” said mom Rebecca Bauer. “In 2019, we attended a CHAMP seminar which encouraged him to overcome challenges with a positive attitude.”
The CHAMP program that she refers to is The War Amps Child Amputee Program. According to The War Amps, the program “offers comprehensive services to child amputees and their families, including financial assistance regional seminars and peer support.”
The program serves children in Canada who are under the age of 18 and were born missing limbs or who have lost limbs due to accident, injury or medical causes.
Bauer and his family attend regional CHAMP seminars where the kids and their parents learn all about the latest artificial limbs, how to deal with bullying or teasing, and more. The parents also received support and information on parenting an amputee child.
The War Amps has been providing innovative services and programs for 100 years, but according to the organization, there is still much to do to ensure amputees across Canada have the devices and support that they need.
“The association receives no government grants, but with the public’s continued support, our vital programs for amputees will carry on long into the future,” said Danita Chisholm, executive director of the CHAMP program. For more information on The War Amps, you can visit their website at Waramps.ca.
editor@thefreepress.ca
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