There are so many nonprofits doing good work on behalf of amputees that it seems impossible to keep track of them all. But we’re going to try anyway. Every week we’ll highlight one organization or person that’s out there trying to make life better for amputees. This week’s Worthy Cause: the Steps of Faith Foundation.
Name: Steps of Faith Foundation
Founder: After losing his left leg above the knee to cancer in 2005, Billy Brimblecom struggled mightily to acquire a prosthetic that would enable him to resume his career as a touring musician. Once he got reestablished professionally, Brimblecom created Steps of Faith in 2013 to help other amputees who faced similar problems. The organization enabled roughly 100 people to obtain prostheses last year.
What they do: Help amputees cover the cost of a prosthetic device.
Who they serve: Uninsured and underinsured amputees.
In Billy’s own words: “Prosthetic limbs and mobility are not a luxury, period. My leg not only allows me to walk, it makes me feel normal. I don’t hide it, but having this leg effects how I feel in every way. . . . Prosthetic limbs are expensive, and many folks don’t have access to them due to no health insurance or terrible health insurance. I myself had massive struggles getting the leg I needed back in 2006. If the thing that’s holding someone back from walking is money, that’s ridiculous and far too common of an issue. . . . .When people see folks with a disability, they see what those people are missing—what they are ‘less than’—and we need to change that idea. I don’t think of myself as handicapped very often because I rarely feel handicapped. That’s all because I have the right tools. This leg is an amazing tool! Every amputee deserves access to the right tools.”
Get involved: The organization’s 4th annual fundraiser, ThunderGong!, is streaming live this Saturday. The comedy/music extravaganza features a star-studded lineup that includes SNL alumni Jason Sudeikis, Will Forte, and Fred Armisen; country hitmakers Blake Shelton and Wynonna Judd; alt-rockers Brandi Carlisle, Nathaniel Rateliff, Ben Harper, and Fastball; and former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan. Register here for the livestream, and visit the online store to order ThunderGong! merch.
Make a donation: https://stepsoffaith.kindful.com/
Connect with the Steps of Faith Foundation: On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Other Worthy Causes:
Born to Run Foundation
Move for Jenn Foundation
Jordan Thomas Foundation
Limbitless Solutions
Forrest Stump
Penta Prosthetics
Ayúdame3D
Less Leg More Heart
Looking for the Helpers (July/August 2020 issue of Amplitude)