Lost Limb Riders support amputees

The word ‘can’t’ isn’t in their vocabulary

When John Thompson lost his right leg below the knee to diabetic complications five years ago, he found himself facing a whole new set of challenges every day.

He used his physical strength and will power to master walking and climbing stairs with his prosthetic leg.

"When they first told me use it or lose it, I decided can't is not in my vocabulary," he said.

But there were many times when he wished he could have had the advice and support of someone who had experienced the exact same situation.

"No one reached out to me," the Fort Dodge man said. "I found out what to expect from You Tube videos."

"I want to do something for people that I wish would have been done for me," he added.

So he started Lost Limb Riders, a group that combines the culture and camaraderie of a motorcycle club with practical and emotional support for amputees and their families.

Thompson summed up the group's mission as "No one left behind. No one stands alone."

Chris Hirschauer, who has taken the lead in developing the group's internet presence and applying for its non-profit status, said amputees get a lot of care and physical therapy in the hospital ,but after they go home "there's really nothing."

He said Thompson came to him more than a year ago with the idea.

"I just knew John was a really strong-willed person," he said.

Thompson, Hirschauer and Raymod Glover Jr., another group member, all said there is nothing else like Lost Limb Riders in the United States.

Lost Limb Riders will provide peer support for amputees, plus support and advice for family members and caregivers of amputees.

It will also provide information on adaptive technologies and other resources for amputees.

Providing medical transportation to get amputees to appointments is a goal of the group.

Lost Limb Riders is an all-volunteer group.

The group meets at 9:45 a.m. on Thursdays in the Fort Dodge Public Library by the City Square. It is seeking more members.

For more information, go to www.lostlimbriders.org.