Ways You Can Help Boston Marathon Amputees

The bombing attack at the Boston Marathon is overwhelming. Three deaths… more than 150 injuries. The images, the emotions and the knowledge that at least four people lost limbs in the attack breaks my heart. As a member of the Red Cross digital volunteer corps, I know there are resources for the victims. But I crave to reach out and help.

In the last 48 hours, I’ve spent time looking for ways we can all help. There are four that really stand out the most for me.

Amputee Coalition
The Amputee Coalition is the largest organization in the United States that offers support and resources to amputees. I am a support group member and have a chance to stay touch with the organization’s initiatives. Right now, the Amputee Coalition has reached out to the hospitals treating the bombing victims and have shared resources and support to the patients. There is a strong amputee support group in Massachusetts and there is already an effort to bring mentors in touch with the amputees. The coalition works to raise awareness about limb differences and also creates peer mentorships between amputees and recent amputees and their families. The coalition also runs a summer program for children with limb differences each summer. If you are interested in helping donate to the organization’s efforts, you can visit its donation page online.

Challenged Athletes Foundation
The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is one of my most favorite organizations for physically challenged athletes. It offers anyone to apply for grants to give them access to adaptive devices and activities that help amputees (and other physical challenges) participate in athletic events. One of my favorite ways to keep track of CAF events is through its Instagram account. There are so many inspirational and amazing athletes supported by this organization. Last night, the organization announced it is working with the victims of the bombing to make sure they have access to mentors and support in returning to an athletic lifestyle. You can read what the organization is doing and donate to its efforts by visiting its Boston Support page.

Limbs for Life
The Limbs for Life organization makes sure everyone who needs prosthetics have access to prosthetics. The organization is encouraging donations in honor of the Boston Marathon victims on its website and also has a text message code to donate $10 by texting LIMBS to 20222.

Wiggle Your Toes
The Wiggle Your Toes organization was launched by amputees to provide support to amputees and their families. You can learn about its fundraising efforts to bring support to the victims on its website.

I think it’s really important to mention how there are hundreds of people who deal with limb loss each day. Many of those amputees will have to fight their insurance companies to get the resources they need to live a healthy and active life. These four organizations I mentioned also do a lot to help all amputees. Please also consider donating to them for their bigger efforts. I know way too many amputees who have to choose between a wheelchair or basic prosthetic legs because insurance won’t give both. These organizations are helping amputees get the financial access to adaptive devices and emotional support. Both are very important.

[Photo shared under a Creative Commons license by hahatango/Flickr]