amputeeIn recognition of April as Limb Loss Awareness Month, the Amputee Coalition, headquartered in Manassas, Va, announces that it will launch “Show Your Mettle Day” on April 27. The Coalition reports that beginning April 27, it will ask amputees nationwide to “show their mettle” by showing their metal in public.

According to a recent news release, the “Show Your Mettle” movement was inspired by Peggy Chenoweth, mother, blogger, and amputee. Chenoweth facilitated efforts in 2011 to raise awareness about living well with limb loss. “Show Your Mettle” is intended to empower amputees, encouraging them to band together and increase awareness in America of the presence of amputees in daily life.

Chenoweth notes that the amputee community is growing, “With over 500 amputations occurring every day, I began to wonder why so many amputees felt isolated and alone. I wanted to create an opportunity to foster conversations about limb loss issues while encouraging amputees to step out of the shadows.”

Chenoweth adds that the launch of “Show Your Mettle Day” marks the beginning of a movement designed to encourage individuals with limb loss to unite and to work together to make a change.

Potential participants in “Show Your Mettle Day” are encouraged by the Coalition to upload images of themselves “showing their metal” to its Facebook page. The release reports that there are four categories under which amputees can submit a photo, one photo may be submitted for each category, which include: individual, family, friends and community, support groups/facilities, and workplace.

The Coalition notes that the images with the most “likes” from each category will receive recognition on the Amputee Coalition’s website, Facebook page, the July/August issue of inMotion magazine, and in the 2013 Annual Report.

WillowWood, a leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of traditional prosthetic products and CAD systems for the prosthetic and orthotic industry, will reportedly serve as the national sponsor for the 2013 “Show Your Mettle Day.” The organization notes that it has committed $1 for every “Show Your Mettle Day” photo uploaded to the Coalition’s Facebook page, up to $10,000. The funds raised are intended to support the Amputee Coalition’s Peer Support Program, the National Limb Loss Resource Center and outreach activities.

Amputees can also “show their mettle” by dining with family and friends April 27 at Uno’s Chicago Grill, which will donate up to 20% of the bill to support Amputee Coalition’s Peer Support Program, the National Limb Loss Resource Center and outreach activities.

Source: Amputee Coalition