Facing cancer at 13, I chose to become an amputee. Here’s my life 30 years later [VIDEO]

Jodie’s story of becoming an above-knee amputee, fighting insurance for prosthetics, and what’s to come

30 years ago at the age of 13, a doctor visit changed my life forever. My left knee kept hurting, but I thought it was just an injury from all my dance classes. When I went for a checkup, my doctor diagnosed me with bone cancer, or osteosarcoma.

The tumor was in my left knee. Surgical removal wasn’t an option… but amputation was.

The choice was up to me.

While I’ve talked about being an above-knee (AK) amputee and traveling with my family as an amputee, I’ve never really talked about HOW I became an amputee.

Today, I’m going to share that story, and what my life has been like over the past 30 years since having my left leg amputated above the knee.

Jodie’s cancer story: Watch this video

More about traveling as an amputee

Accessible travel tips when you have a walking disability

VIDEO 8 TRAVEL Skills for AMPUTEES! Learn these essentials for comfort and safety

VIDEO Can you SCUBA DIVE with a DISABILITY? What it’s like to take PADI adaptive training as an amputee

VIDEO Accessible Travel at Ancient Sites – tips from an amputee

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