By Kim Ousley
I just flew back from outer space—or at least it felt that way—after attending Hanger Clinic’s annual EmpowerFest in San Jose, California. This year’s space-themed event, “Bold Moves,” brought together nearly 160 people with limb loss and limb difference for three days of adaptive activities, learning, and connection.
For once, we didn’t have to explain ourselves to people without disabilities or feel like the only person with a disability in the room. We were surrounded by people who understood our experiences firsthand.
EmpowerFest encourages people with limb loss and limb difference to try new activities, develop adaptive skills, and connect with others. Each year brings a different location and a new lineup of activities. Last year, I wrote about getting on a horse. This year, I tried yoga, drumming, and pool exercises.
Other participants tackled an adaptive obstacle course, practicing walking and balancing with new or existing prosthetic legs. People with upper-limb amputations explored adaptive cooking techniques, while others tried handcycles, stationary bikes, and traditional two-wheeled bicycles. The goal was to discover activities and skills they could continue exploring at home.
But some of the most meaningful moments happened outside the scheduled activities.
In the ballroom, conversations flowed easily about prosthetic discomfort, adaptive equipment, fatigue, travel, navigating bathrooms, and dealing with unwanted attention. We shared experiences without having to explain the basics.
Someone would automatically help another person with equipment. Nobody stared at a prosthesis. People casually compared sockets and feet. Someone could mention phantom pain without having to explain what it meant. A person with a recent amputation might watch someone else confidently walk into the room. And we laughed about things that people outside our community might not understand.
For three days, we weren’t the minority in the room. We were the majority.
We came as amputees and left as travelers, explorers, athletes, artists, advocates, professionals, friends, adventurers, comedians, writers, and dreamers.
Although this was my second EmpowerFest, I was just as excited as I had been the first time. Traveling from Indiana to San Jose and adjusting to a three-hour time difference in both directions took a toll on me, but I was looking forward to everything the event had to offer.
I had hoped to try cycling, but time got away from me. With so many interesting activities on the schedule, choosing between them was difficult!
One of the highlights was finally meeting people I’d gotten to know through online amputee support groups. Seeing familiar faces in person, exchanging hugs, and spending quality time together made my heart swell and brought a few tears to my eyes.
We have our families and friends back home, but this community is another kind of family, brought together by our different backgrounds and shared experiences.
Throughout the event, I rode my electric scooter around the hotel and outside. I realized that rather than wearing myself out too quickly, I was conserving energy so I could participate in more activities. There’s nothing wrong with using whatever equipment helps you save energy and stay mobile.
And I was glad I had saved some energy, because the final night brought a dance!
This girl, who turns 60 in November, hadn’t danced in years. But I gave it a try. I think I looked like I was breakdancing in one spot!
People arrived in space-themed costumes, and those of us standing spun our friends in wheelchairs around the dance floor. Everyone was having a blast. Of course, some of us might need physical therapy just to recover from all that dancing! Ha!
As I think about those three days, I remember how different my life looked when I first heard the words, “You have cancer in your foot and ankle, and we may need to amputate.”
At the time, I thought I had lost everything I’d worked toward. As a single, divorced mother, I had spent years raising my son, seeing him off to college, and finally beginning the career I’d dreamed about for so long.
But I hadn’t lost everything. My life had changed, and over time, I discovered that some dreams fade while new ones emerge.
Today, I’m a peer support visitor, an advocate for So Every BODY Can Move in Indiana, and a writer, blogger, and speaker. I love sharing information and resources with my fellow amputees and helping others discover new possibilities for themselves.
EmpowerFest is a reminder of how much we have to offer one another, whether we’re sharing practical advice, trying something new, or simply enjoying a dance together.
I’ve heard that next year’s event may move to the East Coast, potentially making it easier for people who can’t travel as far west to attend. The timing may change, too, so keep an eye on Hanger Clinic’s social media pages for updates.
Wherever we gather next, I hope more people will have the opportunity to experience this community for themselves.
Make your bold move, be proud of who you are, and remember that new adventures are always possible.
To infinity and beyond!