Be-YOU-tiful Adaptive Warrior

Limbs For Humanity: Restoring Hope One Leg at a Time     In this powerful and perspective-shifting episode of Be a Warrior Podcast, I sit down with two men who have not only walked alongside me in my own journey as prosthetists, but who have also chosen to step far beyond the walls of their profession to answer a much bigger calling. Randy and David, co-founders of Limbs for Humanity, join me to share the heart, mission, and real-world impact of bringing prosthetic care to those who would otherwise never have access to it. After spending the past month highlighting the deeply personal stories of survivors rising into warriors through limb loss, this conversation takes us one step further. Because what happens when someone has the strength, the will, and the fight… but no access to care? What happens when survival isn’t enough because the resources simply aren’t there?     That’s where Limbs for Humanity steps in. Randy and David open up about how their work as everyday practitioners exposed a growing and heartbreaking gap—even here in the United States. Patients with jobs, families, and insurance still found themselves unable to afford prosthetics due to overwhelming deductibles and lack of coverage. What began as quiet, pro bono care quickly revealed a much larger need—one that couldn’t be ignored.     That need didn’t stop at our borders. A single message about an underserved clinic in Rocky Point, Mexico sparked what would become a life-changing mission. Within months, they packed up their car and headed south, unsure of what to expect. What they found was staggering: hundreds of amputees with little to no access to prosthetic care. But what impacted them most wasn’t just the need—it was the people. Their resilience. Their gratitude. Their spirit.     We talk about the stark differences between limb loss in the U.S. and in underserved countries—where something as treatable as an infection can lead to amputation. Where young parents in their twenties and thirties lose limbs and, with them, their ability to provide for their families. And yet, even in the face of that, their strength is undeniable. Through heartfelt stories—like young children receiving their first prosthetic and running, playing, and simply being kids again—you begin to understand that this work goes far beyond mobility. It restores dignity. Independence. Purpose.           But it’s not without its challenges. The greatest barrier? Resources. Not time. Not skill. But the tangible components—knees, feet, liners—that make each prosthetic possible. Even with reduced costs and donated materials, the need far outweighs what they can currently provide. And that’s where this episode becomes more than a conversation—it becomes a call to action. There are so many ways to get involved. From donating funds or unused prosthetic parts, to volunteering time, offering professional skills like grant writing, or simply spreading awareness. One of the most exciting calls to action introduced in this episode is the push for ambassadors in all 50 states—individuals willing to be the voice of this mission in their own communities. Because here’s the truth: you don’t have to change the whole world to make an impact. You just have to be willing to help change one life. This episode is a reminder that being a warrior isn’t just about overcoming your own battles—it’s about reaching back and lifting someone else up. And together, we have the power to do just that.   Join the journey! Check out their website HERE and ways you can get involved! Want to find out how to become an ambassador? Check it out on my Warrior Ground website, HERE!   Become a part of something bigger, and join the movement! Have a blessed week, and as always, Be Healthy, Be Happy, Be YOU!!!   Much love,  

Faith Fueled Resilience: Abri Bentley’s Story   There are moments in life when everything slows down just enough for you to hear what truly matters. This episode was one of those moments for me. As I sat across from Abri, I wasn’t just interviewing a guest-I was witnessing a living, breathing testimony of what it looks like to hold onto hope when everything else tries to take it away. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” That verse from Romans 12:12 felt like it wrapped itself around this entire conversation. Because if there is anyone who embodies that kind of faith in motion, it’s Abri.   Abri’s first dance recital after amputation. I first met Abri years ago, just after my own amputation. I was standing in a church parking lot on crutches, when I heard someone call my name. I turned to see a young girl—no older than nine—being carried over to me, full of light, full of joy, completely unshaken by the challenges she had already faced. In that moment, she didn’t just meet me… she steadied me. She spoke life into me without even realizing it. And I remember thinking, “If she can do this… I’m going to be okay.” Fast forward to today, and that same young girl-now seventeen-is still walking through more than most people will ever understand. But what struck me the most during our conversation wasn’t just her strength. It was her honesty.   A young Abri battling cancer. Abri didn’t sugarcoat the hard. She didn’t pretend that faith erases fear or pain. She spoke openly about the anger, the confusion, the loneliness. About the moments where her faith was shaken to its core. About isolating herself because fear felt safer than being seen. And yet… she didn’t stay there. That’s the difference. She made a choice-again and again-to lean back into God. Not perfectly. Not without questions. But with a willingness to trust, even when nothing made sense.   Laughter and sense of humor is so helpful amidst trials. Never lose your smile! And what I see in her now is something even more powerful than the fearless little girl I first met. I see depth. I see resilience forged through pressure. I see a young woman who understands that faith isn’t about having all the answers-it’s about knowing where to turn when you don’t. As we talked about what’s ahead for her-another amputation this summer, stepping into adulthood, reclaiming her voice in her own medical journey-I couldn’t help but feel in awe. Because she’s choosing courage in real time. She’s choosing hope in the middle of uncertainty. She’s choosing to believe that something good can still come from something incredibly hard. And when I asked her what gets her through it all, her answer was simple, but profound: Jesus. Not as a distant idea. Not as a checklist. But as a constant presence. A friend. A place to bring her anger, her fear, her questions—everything. That kind of relationship… that kind of faith… it changes you. It doesn’t mean the road gets easier. But it means you’re never walking it alone. What Abri reminded me-and what I hope you take with you—is this: it’s okay to feel the hard things. It’s okay to be angry, to question, to struggle. But don’t stay there. Don’t build a home in that space.   Our reunion after several years of non-stop trials in Abri’s life. Life is too short to live without hope. And hope doesn’t come from the world—it comes from something deeper. Something steady. Something unshakable. So if you’re in a season right now where everything feels heavy… where fear is loud… where you’re not sure how to take the next step… start small. Find community. Find people who remind you of who you are when you forget. Open the door-even just a crack-to something bigger than yourself. And maybe, just maybe… like Abri… you’ll begin to see that even in the pressure, even in the pain, something beautiful is being formed. A warrior. Be joyful in hope. Be patient in affliction. Be faithful in prayer. -Romans 12:12 Your story isn’t over. And neither is the strength inside of you. As always… Be healthy, Be happy, Be YOU!!!   Much love,          

In a Sink or Swim World, Become a Gold Medalist in the Breaststroke   Each one of us struggles at one time or another. No one goes through life without challenges, even those who look like they have it “all together”, don’t go unscathed, they have just figured it out how to swim. They tackle the situation, use positivity, and keep pushing forward until they make it through the other side of pain and tribulation.  Through our challenges we are given the chance to grow and find ourselves. We build character and an appreciation of the good times. Challenges don’t pick and choose the time they come into our lives, we need to be ready to rock and roll with them when they show up. We need to be in our top form, mentally, emotionally, and physically, so we can handle them with strength, confidence, and grace.   In today’s podcast I share my journey about the most recent physical challenge that turned mental and how I pushed through and rose to the occasion. As hard as today was, I made it!  While I struggled, I got a glimpse of my character and my weakness in my armor. It was then that I had to dig deep to find myself and the power I held to compete, and win. What are you struggling with right now?  What has you on your knees, begging for help?  Whatever it is, know that you are not alone and that you CAN swim.     Odd as it may seem, when you’re struggling sometimes the best medicine is to redirect your attention elsewhere and do something that makes you feel good. This week I want you to find something to challenge yourself with, something attainable but tough. Find a non-profit you believe in and go to work at helping them by raising funds and/or awareness while challenging yourself to get out and get active. There’s nothing better than exercise and fresh air to make you feel better and alive. So, get after it. You are a rockstar and ready to shine!   As always: Be Healthy, Be Happy, Be YOU!!   Much love, Angie