Elizabeth Barrett Elementary School students were delivered an important message March 20 through an amputation awareness speech presented by Nadine Richards and current student Jerlena Rittwage.
Rittwage, eight, was born a left-hand amputee, while Richards, 21, was born a multiple amputee.
The two spoke to approximately 100 students and teachers about challenges they face and how they overcome those challenges, while explaining how being an amputee is not a barrier to having an active lifestyle.
“I go to work every day; I drive; I go out with my friends and play sports,” said Richards. “I’m capable of it – if I put my mind to it I can do it.”
Both Rittwage and Richards are supported by the Children Amputee (CHAMP) program, of which the War Amps provide financial assistance for prosthetic limbs, as well as regional annual seminars.
“They (CHAMP) are a really great organization,” said Jessica Rittwage, mother of Jerlena.
Jessica said that Jerlena has been going to the seminars since she was three years old, in the process, meeting a lot of other amputees and making friends.
Richards and Jerlena described some of the sports in which they participate using specifically designed prosthetics, such as swimming, snowboarding and cycling.
“I learned how to walk on prosthetic legs just like how you walk,” said Richards. “I tumbled down lots, but I did it; I’m walking now.”
“We support each other – we don’t make fun of other kids because they were born with brown hair or blue eyes; she (Jerlena) was just born a little different,” said Richards. “Sometimes she has to do things a little different, but she’s going to figure it out.”
“We’re chosen for a reason, because we can handle it.”
