Ania Marecka
I attended my first Skills for Life in 2015. It was the first time in my entire life when I didn’t feel alone. I wasn’t the only one without arms in a room that everyone was staring at.
I feel that connecting, sharing experiences, and supporting each other is very crucial. This is why I wish the Skills for Life conferences took place more often, which would allow us to develop closer friendships.
I was extremely excited when I first learned about SFL from my OT at Shriners. However, after realizing the expenses associated with the trip I felt disappointed that I won’t be able to attend. Being a single and unemployed mom who undergoes multiple surgeries and deals with chronic pain, it would not have been possible for me to go to SFL without financial assistance. I would have missed out on an amazing experience and I hope to be fortunate enough to attend again.
It is thanks to Skills for Life, that I have my service dog Expo, who makes my life so much easier and brings me so much joy, and for that I am truly grateful.
Samoana Matagi
I was fortunate enough to receive funds to attend Skills for Life workshops in 2011 and 2015. Because of my attendance, I met with people who taught me techniques that gave me the confidence to recover faster from a life changing injury than I ever could on my own! Since SFL, I'm not just surviving my accident, I'm thriving!
Eric Nelson
I have been to every SFL seminar and have received funds to be able to attend each of them. Not sure if I would’ve been able to go without the assistance. Certainly having the assistance, made the decision a lot easier. I am deeply thankful for all the people and businesses that contribute to this fund.
As a 34 year bilateral A/E ‘veteran’, I still learn new things and see new adaptive products at each seminar.
Most of all, I like to attend because of the people. It is always my goal to try and meet every amputee and hear their story. As an amputee, where else can you go to find like minded people! When someone there states they understand what you’re going thru or they can relate to your issue, they really can!
It is such an encouraging place to share hopes and dreams and failures and fears. It is a place where you can share your experiences and find answers to situations that you need help with. You learn about the newest products, surgeries and OT and PT therapies. Not only is it a place to learn, but it is a place to give back and share with others.
Every time I leave a seminar, I can’t wait for the next one.