About Me

Imagine losing your leg at 18 months old after being diagnosed with a birth defect. Imagine losing your leg at age 21 after being diagnosed with bone cancer. Sarah Walsh was born with a birth defect which led to her right leg to be amputated at 18 months. Sophie Walton had to make the brave decision to have her leg amputated due to cancer after the doctor’s told her that was her only chance of survival. These are stories of some courageous people who despite their amputation did not feel sorry for themselves or let anything slow them down. They were able to find an inner strength to persevere. Amputation is not the end of a treatment, instead it is the beginning. In addition to losing a limb, you may also experience psychological, emotional and many physical problems.

My name is Harriet and I am originally from The Gambia, West Africa. When I was 5 years old, I was struck by an army truck while crossing the road. My right leg couldn’t be saved so the doctors told my parents, it had to be amputated and they had to make a quick decision because they were told I only had 4 hours to live. What parent wouldn’t take that chance? Well, my parents took that chance because they knew I am a fighter. Living a full and happy life as an amputee already has its challenges, but imagine what happens when you live in a third world country. When I got home from the hospital, my parents were not prepared for a life with a disabled child. They didn’t know what to do. I didn’t have the luxury of going to therapy, rehab or even counseling. No one came to my house to teach me how to live my new life. There is no such thing in Gambia.

To be continued...



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