Jabari Amadi, 6, of Spiritwood, is back from The War Amps 2012 Western Child Amputee Seminar in Saskatoon, where he embraced The War Amps tradition of "accentuating the positive" in facing and overcoming an amputation.
A left leg amputee, Jabari attended the three-day seminar, which covered all aspects of growing up as an amputee, including the latest developments in artificial limbs, parenting an amputee child, dealing with teasing and bullying, and learning the importance of staying active.
Throughout the seminar, Jabari learned from junior counsellors, members of CHAMP who "give back" by answering questions and offering advice to young Champs, a role that embodies The War Amps philosophy of "amputees helping amputees."
He also attended the Amputees in Action session, where participants demonstrated their standard and recreational artificial limbs and devices to the group.
Jabari showed his waterproof swim leg, which he has customized with a "green lantern" pattern.
"Seminars are an integral part of the Child Amputee Program, creating lasting bonds of friendship as Champs grow up learning from one another," says Danita Chisholm, executive director of CHAMP.
"Seminars also afford parents the opportunity to share personal experiences and advice to help each other overcome the unique challenges of raising a child amputee."
CHAMP is funded solely through public support of The War Amps Key Tag and Address Label Service. For more information, call 1-800 -50-3030 or visit waramps.ca.
