Isabella Romei, 9, of Winfield, is back from The War Amps annual BC Child Amputee (CHAMP) Seminar in Vancouver. This year is a special one, marking the 30th anniversary of CHAMP Seminars, which are held regionally across Canada.
Isabella was born missing part of both hands and part of both feet. She 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.
The seminar covered subjects of interest for all age groups, including the latest developments in artificial limbs, parenting an amputee child, dealing with teasing and bullying, learning to drive and the importance for amputees of staying active.
Seminars are life-changing events, particularly for first-time attendees. “Meeting others with exactly the same concerns, and seeing how they have overcome them, has a profound effect on how they regard their amputation,” says CHAMP Director Lucie Waddell.
CHAMP and all its programs are funded solely through public support of The War Amps Key Tag and Address Label Service. For more information, call 1 800 250-3030 or visit waramps.ca.