It's an organization that has been helping Canadians for 35 years and recently, one local resident had the opportunity to take part in an anniversary celebration event.
Jake Kahoot, age five, of Yorkton, just returned from The War Amps 2010 Western Child Amputee (CHAMP) Seminar in Winnipeg, which marked the 35th anniversary of CHAMP. Jake, who is missing his right foot, attended the three-day seminar, which dealt with all aspects of growing up as an amputee. Older Champs were Junior Counsellors at the seminar, answering questions and offering advice to the younger Champs.
In one seminar session, Champs demonstrated their standard and recreational artificial limbs and devices to the group. Jake showed his waterproof swim leg, which he has "customized" with a Spiderman design.
Seminar sessions are geared for all age groups, including a session for parents on raising an amputee child, and ones for teens dealing with body image, learning to drive and employment. The seminar is also a forum to share concerns and advice in keeping with The War Amps founding philosophy of "amputees helping amputees." At the seminar, Jake was presented with a CHAMP Ambassador Certificate for a War Amps presentation to his Kindergarten class.
CHAMP and all its programs are funded through support of The War Amps Key Tag and Address Label Service. For more information, call 1 800 250-3030 or visit waramps.ca.
