Trending
EAST LIVERPOOL -- Clarence "Dutch" Wright wants fellow amputees to know that he has walked in their shoes even if the walking part was difficult at first.
"They say we amputees are not alone but I didn't see too many people like me after I lost my leg," he said. "I want other amputees to know they are not alone. I want to tell them to get up out of their wheelchairs and walk and keep moving. I know it's hard, but you have to keep moving forward."
Wright's lower left leg was amputated in February 2021 due to complications of diabetes. Wright faced many challenges after he lost his leg. Learning to walk again was just one of them. He faced those obstacles alone but has made it his mission to make sure others don't have to. With no support group to turn to in the area, Wright took matters into his own hands and started his own. The Amputees of Columbiana County now meet every third Wednesday of the month at First United Methodist Church in East Liverpool. All amputees and their families are invited to stop in and check out the meetings - no matter where they reside.
"Everybody is welcome," Wright said. "It's about bringing amputees together and making a difference together."
Wright's organization helps amputees gain accessibility. The Amputees of Columbiana County reach out to businesses and encourage them to install ramps and wheelchair-friendly entrances and layouts. The group also put amputees in contact with contractors to install ramps at their residences and try to help offset the costs.
"We don't raise a lot of money but the little bit we do raise helps," Wright said. "If we can help build a ramp at someone's home, we are going to do it."
In order to raise money for his group and raise awareness, the Amputees of Columbiana County will be selling ribbons at Giant Eagle on April 22. April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month. According to the Amputee Coalition, which is headquartered in Washington D.C., more than 2.7 million people live with limb loss or limb difference in the United States and hundreds of people lose a limb every day.
Wright wants those who undergo amputation to know there is support out there. He encourages amputees to call him at 330-303-9518. He wants to share his knowledge and experience. He reminds amputees that some things will be more difficult after limb loss, but nothing is impossible.
"It's hard but life goes on," he said. "Like I said, you just have to get up and keep moving."
selverd@mojonews.com