July Here We Come! July brings about thoughts of Celebration! So, let’s talk about Celebrations, Challenges and Comfort Zones!

Celebrate. There was an easing of Covid- 19 restrictions just in time for families to celebrate Independence Day. This easing is a time where smiles are emerging and hugs are abounding for some people for the first time in over 18 months. While we still have to be aware and take some precautions, it is a relief to know that you can once again see our families with and without masks depending on your personal situation.  I am celebrating a milestone this month - 60 years old, battled cancer twice and won! Tackled limb loss head on and I am living my best life.

Challenges. I chose to challenge myself by doing a 5K /17 plus obstacle course to raise money and awareness for breast cancer on July 24, 2021. I was not alone; Angie Bryl, CPO (and also my clinical director) ran this race by my side. As an amputee of four and half years now, I made a bucket list of challenges that I wanted to accomplish in my lifetime. The “Mud Girl Race” for breast cancer is one of them. I anticipated a sisterhood of women and girls all bonded together for a cause. I knew there would be a sky full of angels watching over us that day. We were surrounded by survivors as well as women going through cancer treatment. Sadly, others gathered for the event may not yet know they have breast cancer.

The muddy day came and did not disappoint! There was a sea of parked cars in the fields as we got close to the High Point Event Center in Clarksburg, MD. For as far as the eyes could see, there were women of all ages that came together to help each other succeed over the Mud Girl course. Mike, my husband, came to cheer us and support us on our run. The day was hot with a nice breeze and Oh! plenty of muddy water and mud challenges. We found out we were to run, jump, climb, slide and crawl our way through the 19, yes 19 obstacles.

The music was loud and the energy high as we took off running onto the course at 11 am. We proudly crossed the finish line all covered in mud. We were tired but the feeling all the unity, kindness and inspiration made all our mud not matter. We finished not winners or losers, but with a deep pride in our hearts. The women old and young (there were girls of 7 and older) came together for a cause, became one team, with one goal, all to cross the finish line together. Hands reaching out, lifting, pulling, carrying each other in hopes one day there will finally be a cure. One day we will stop losing our grandmothers, mothers, sisters and daughters to this terrible disease.

This was my personal challenge for July. Do you have a bucket list of personal things you want to accomplish since becoming an amputee? This list can be anything you can dream of. You do not have to do these challenges alone. Reach out to loved ones, friends, or us to help you reach for your dreams. The goal is to have dreams and challenges so that we can become stronger inside and outside.

Comfort Zones. Definition: a place or situation where one feels safe or at ease and without stress. This is very different for everyone, I understand. The idea is that we need to try to step out of our comfort zones every so often in order to grow. I have been testing myself since my limb loss. I try to clear my mind of fear and embrace positive images of what I want to achieve. It is never easy leaping out, but once you do it, is a feeling like no other. Limb loss can make us feel like we will never get beyond where we are at in that precise moment but we can!

To achieve our best new normal you need to build your team of supporters. This is “TEAM YOU”! Include your physician, your prosthetist, physical therapists, family and friends. If you surround yourself with a team, you will be able to step out of your comfort zone to be the best you that you can be.

So for July, try to Celebrate your accomplishments, Challenge yourself every day to one thing new and Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and live your life to the fullest. I would love if you took the time to email me your adventure pictures - they can be big or small. Walking across the floor in your home for the first time or climbing a mountain! I would love to share your successful moments here on my blog. You can email me at dawn@dankmeyer.com and I will be happy to share your bucket list moments.     

These tips are informed suggestions. If you do not feel comfortable with them, please do not attempt them. Instead as always contact your medical professional or your prosthetist for help and advice. 

If you have a question for me about living as an amputee, ask! And if I don’t know the answer, I will find it for you, and I will leave no stone unturned to help you find your own personal new normal. If there is a topic you would like me to feature please let me know! I want us all to grow strong together.  Email me at Dawn@dankmeyer.com. This email is not secure, so if you wish to keep any specific health information private, you should call us!

Dawn Miranda joined Dankmeyer, Inc. almost two years ago as a Prosthetist Assistant after relocating from San Antonio, TX.  To read more about Dawn on our Clinical Staff page, click here.