by Ellen Andre
(Latest in a series highlighting local non-profits doing great work in our community)
How long has your organization been in operation? Less Leg More Heart has been in operation for 6 years, and over this time, we have had the privilege of making a meaningful difference in the lives of more than 350 amputees.
We’ve seen first-hand the transformative power of personalized care, advocacy, and community in the lives of those who have lost limbs, and our mission has only strengthened with each passing year.
Highlights of your mission and accomplishments: Our mission remains steadfast: to improve quality of life through the provision of vital support, supplies, and services to amputees. Over the last year, we’ve enhanced our core programs to better address these needs. Highlights include:
• Expanding our peer mentorship program to onboard new individuals to share their knowledge and provide guidance and adding additional virtual peer support options on our platforms.
• Strengthening our medical advocacy by partnering with new healthcare professionals and hospitals, ensuring amputees receive comprehensive, individualized care.
• Growing our funding for holistic care to incorporate innovative treatments that address not only physical recovery but also emotional and mental well-being.
• Facilitating home modifications for more than 50 amputees, helping them regain independence and confidence in their daily lives.
How has the program changed since its inception? Two years ago, we focused primarily on immediate post-amputation support. Today, our approach has expanded to include long-term care strategies. We now work more closely with our beneficiaries over time, offering ongoing mentorship and follow-up services to ensure continued improvement. We’ve also developed better tools to measure the impact of our programs, giving us deeper insights into what works best for amputees’ overall well-being.
In addition, when we first launched, we focused on physical recovery and mobility. While these remain critical aspects of our mission, we now emphasize the mental health component far more than we did initially. We’ve come to understand that emotional resilience is just as crucial as physical strength in living a fulfilling life post-amputation. Additionally, our peer mentorship program has evolved to include more comprehensive life coaching, helping amputees set and achieve personal goals beyond recovery.
What are you most proud of in the last year? In the last year, we are most proud of the deep relationships we’ve cultivated with our beneficiaries. Many of those we’ve helped have transitioned into volunteer roles, paying it forward by becoming mentors themselves. This cycle of support has created a resilient and compassionate network, where amputees help each other navigate the challenges of limb loss.
Areas you’d like to expand or grow: We are eager to expand our reach by developing national hubs, staffing and mobile dispatch services. We are also exploring opportunities to enhance our educational outreach, working with healthcare providers and the public to raise awareness of the unique challenges amputees face.
Biggest challenges today: One of our biggest challenges today is funding, as the demand for our services continues to grow. We’re constantly seeking new ways to fundraise in order to meet the increasing need for support, especially as we expand our programs to offer more comprehensive care.
How can the community help? The community can help in several vital ways. First, by spreading the word about our mission and the work we do—raising awareness is critical. Second, financial contributions or sponsorships are essential in helping us continue providing life-changing services. Finally, we encourage individuals to get involved by volunteering or participating in our events, such as our upcoming Halloween Costume Gala, which directly supports our cause.
With your help, we can continue to make a profound impact in the lives of amputees. Together, we are creating a future filled with hope, healing, and opportunity.
