hope and healing – Be-YOU-tiful Adaptive Warrior

7 Lessons From 7 Years of Limb Loss

By bawarrior | June 3, 2026

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:50 — 26.4MB)

What I Wish Every New Amputee Knew

Seven years ago, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life: to amputate my leg. Looking back now, I can honestly say that journey has taught me more about life, resilience, and myself than I ever could have imagined.

In this episode, I share seven of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through seven years of living as an above-knee amputee. These lessons aren’t just about limb loss, they’re about navigating life’s unexpected challenges, embracing change, and discovering strength you didn’t know you had.

One of the first things I learned is that life is incredibly uncertain. None of us know what tomorrow holds. I certainly never imagined that a martial arts injury would eventually lead to amputation. Yet even in the uncertainty, I’ve learned that life is still beautiful and worth embracing. Every day we wake up with breath in our lungs is an opportunity to live fully, regardless of our circumstances.

I also talk about change and why fighting it often creates more suffering than the change itself. As amputees, change becomes a constant companion. New sockets, new challenges, new routines, and new versions of ourselves. While change can be uncomfortable, it can also open doors to experiences, relationships, and opportunities we never would have discovered otherwise.

Another lesson that stands out is realizing just how strong we really are. Not physically, although that comes too, but mentally and emotionally. Strength isn’t built on easy days. It’s forged through setbacks, disappointments, pain, and the choice to keep moving forward anyway. Like a diamond formed under pressure, adversity has a way of shaping us into something stronger than we thought possible.

I also share why learning to appreciate the good days matters so much. Living with limb loss means navigating physical challenges, phantom pain, socket issues, and countless ups and downs. The difficult days teach us to cherish the ordinary ones. They remind us not to take comfort, mobility, or peace for granted.

Perhaps one of the most important lessons is this: don’t do it alone. Finding community has been one of the greatest gifts of my journey. Whether through my Amped Women chats, fellow amputees, or supportive friends and family, connection matters. We were never meant to carry life’s challenges by ourselves.

Finally, I talk about friendships, mindset, and embracing the roller coaster that is amputee life. The road isn’t always easy, but it can still be meaningful, beautiful, and full of purpose.

My hope is that whether you’re a new amputee, a caregiver, or simply facing a challenge of your own, you’ll walk away encouraged. Life may not look the way we planned, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be extraordinary.

Mindset matters. Give yourself grace. Find your people. And remember—you are stronger than you think.

What’s one lesson your journey has taught you?

Whether you’re an amputee, caregiver, or someone navigating a challenge of your own, I’d love to hear from you. Share your biggest lesson in the comments, reply to this post, or connect with me through Warrior Ground.

And if you’re walking the limb loss journey, don’t do it alone. Join our community and discover the power of connecting with people who truly understand.

Join the Warrior Ground community and stay connected → HERE

And as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

Much love,

The Warrior Movement Begins Here

By bawarrior | May 20, 2026

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:54 — 17.9MB)

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Join the Warrior Effect-Get Involved Today

What if one story had the power to help someone walk again?

After seven powerful weeks of interviews during Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, this episode of BAWarrior podcast becomes more than a reflection-it becomes a movement.

In this heartfelt finale to the “Survivors to Warriors” series, I take listeners back through the incredible stories shared throughout the past seven weeks. These were not just interviews about limb loss. They were deeply personal conversations about fear, trauma, cancer, grief, PTSD, faith, family, resilience, and the decision to keep moving forward when life changes forever.

From children facing amputation at a young age to young adults rebuilding their confidence and independence, every guest brought honesty and courage to the table. While each story was unique, one thing tied them all together: resilience. Warriors are not born-they are built through impossible moments, painful setbacks, and the daily choice to rise again.

As an above-knee amputee myself, I share openly about how some days I feel strong and empowered, while other days limb loss completely knocks me down. That reality is something many amputees understand deeply. But what inspired me most about these guests was watching people so young choose courage, faith, and perseverance despite everything they had faced.

This episode introduces what I call The Warrior Effect-the ripple effect created when one person’s story, kindness, or support helps change someone else’s life. When someone shares their story, another person feels less alone. When someone donates to organizations like Limbs For Humanity, another person gains the opportunity to walk again. When companies like Stride Robotics innovate and create more affordable, lightweight prosthetic technology, they help restore independence, dignity, and hope to amputees around the world.

Co-Founder, Randy West, of Limbs For Humanity with one of their youngest patients

Co-Founder and CEO, Revanth Damerla, Stride Robotics

Throughout this episode, I discuss why mobility is about far more than simply walking. Mobility impacts emotional health, confidence, mental well-being, freedom, and quality of life. I share the mission behind Limbs For Humanity and their efforts to provide prosthetic care and mobility to underserved communities globally. I also highlight the groundbreaking work Stride Robotics is doing to create lightweight, waterproof powered prosthetics designed with real amputees and real-world accessibility in mind.

But this episode is not meant to simply inspire listeners for a moment before moving on. It is a call to action.

The time to act is now!

I challenge listeners to become part of the movement by supporting the limb loss community in whatever way they can. Whether that means volunteering, fundraising, donating, becoming an ambassador, spreading awareness, investing in adaptive innovation, or simply listening and learning-everyone has a role to play.

I also introduce the new ambassador program for Limbs For Humanity, encouraging listeners across all fifty states to help spread awareness and become part of something bigger than themselves. This movement is not about competition between nonprofits or organizations. It is about collaboration, compassion, and filling the gaps for communities that are underserved and often forgotten.

*Become an Ambassador for Limbs For Humanity here

*Find ways to help bring nobility to those without access here

*Or check out how to become a part of the innovative side with Stride Robotics here

This powerful finale reminds listeners that healing and resilience grow stronger when people come together. The “Survivors to Warriors” series may be ending, but the mission is only beginning.

The Warrior Effect is real-and now it’s your turn to become part of it.

Have a beautifully, blessed week and as always,