A young Red Deer boy still takes part in one of his favourite activities despite being a partial left hand amputee.
Nate Collier, 7, a member of The War Amps Child Amputee Program, also known as CHAMP, is eligible for the cost of financial assistance for artificial limbs and recreational devices.
He plays hockey using a special device that fits his glove.
“Without the device, Nate would not be able to grip his stick,” said his mom, Jodi.
“It really is a game changer for him, and without The War Amps, we could never have made this happen.
“Nothing holds Nate back and he can do everything his friends do, just in a different way. Our family is forever grateful because we know that without this device, Nate wouldn’t be playing hockey, a game he loves so much.”
Collier also attends regional CHAMP seminars, where members and their parents learn about the latest in artificial limbs, dealing with teasing and bullying, and parenting an amputee child.
War Amps has provided more than 100 years of innovative programs.
Danita Chisholm, executive director of the CHAMP program, said the association receives no government grants.
“But with the public’s continued support of the key tag and address label service, our vital programs for amputees will carry on long into the future,” said Chisholm.
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