Roy Hemmerich, 14, of Comox, Lewis Jeon, 11, of Courtenay, and Elijah Sulz, 7, of Union Bay, are back from the War Amps’ annual BC Child Amputee (CHAMP) seminar in Vancouver.
This year is special, marking the 30th anniversary of CHAMP seminars, which are held regionally across Canada.
Hemmerich was born a right arm amputee, Jeon a right hand amputee and Sulz a right leg amputee. Hemmerich was a junior counsellor, through which he was able to “give back” by answering questions and offering advice to young Champs.
Champs demonstrated their standard and recreational artificial limbs in a “show and tell” session. Hemmerich showed his hockey arm, Jeon showed his violin device, and Sulz showed his swim leg. Sulz was also presented with a CHAMP Ambassador Certificate for an Amputation Awareness Presentation to his classmates.
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.
— War Amps