Phantom Pain: The Invisible Battle No One Sees

Phantom Pain: The Invisible Battle No One Sees

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Understanding the Types, Triggers, and Coping Strategies

 

 

What if the most intense pain you’ve ever felt came from a part of your body that no longer exists?

As an above-knee amputee, phantom pain is one of the most difficult parts of my journey to explain. It’s invisible. It’s unpredictable. And unless you’ve experienced it yourself, it’s almost impossible to fully understand. Yet for many amputees, it becomes a reality we learn to navigate every day.

 

 

On this episode of the BAWarrior Podcast, I pull back the curtain on phantom pain and share my personal experience living with it over the last several years. From the constant burning and tingling sensations that feel like a foot trapped in a vice grip, to the sudden stabbing pains that can stop me in my tracks, phantom pain has taught me more about resilience than I ever expected.

 

 

I talk openly about what these sensations feel like, how they can affect daily life, and the emotional toll they can take when they strike unexpectedly. I also share my experience undergoing a revision surgery and AMI procedure at Massachusetts General Hospital, where surgeons discovered a foreign object near my femur that had been contributing to years of severe pain.

While there is no universal solution for phantom pain, I’ve learned that understanding potential triggers can make a difference. Poor socket fit, overuse, nerve irritation, stress, and even life circumstances can all influence how our bodies respond. Through years of trial and error, I’ve discovered that managing phantom pain often requires a combination of strategies rather than a single fix.

Most importantly, I share the mindset tools that have helped me endure some of my hardest moments. Deep breathing, movement, distraction techniques, mindfulness, and refusing to give pain control over my identity have become powerful parts of my personal toolbox. While pain may be part of my story, it does not get to write the ending.

 

 

If you’re an amputee struggling with phantom pain, I want you to know something I wish someone had told me during my darkest moments: it will not last forever. The pain comes and goes. The valleys are real, but so are the mountaintops. You are stronger than you realize, and you do not have to walk this journey alone.

I believe healing is about more than physical recovery. It’s about learning how to keep moving forward, even when the road feels impossible.

 

 

Join the Movement

If this story resonates with you, I invite you to become part of our growing Warrior community. Subscribe to the BAWarrior Podcast, connect with us through Warrior Ground, join our conversations, and discover the strength that comes from walking alongside others who truly understand the journey.

Together, we heal. Together, we grow. Together, we rise.

Because being a warrior isn’t about never feeling pain—it’s about refusing to let pain define who you are.

You are strong, dear Warrior, and you are worthy.

Have a blessed week, and as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

 

Much love,

 

Overcoming the Fear of Falling

Overcoming the Fear of Falling

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Reclaiming Independence

 

What if the thing holding you back isn’t the possibility of falling, but the fear of what happens if you do?

As amputees, we talk a lot about mobility, prosthetics, and recovery. But there is one challenge that often doesn’t get enough attention: the fear of falling.

In this week’s episode of BAWarrior Podcast, I share my own experiences as an above-knee amputee and explore how fear can quietly limit our lives if we allow it to take control.

The truth is, for many of us, the fear of falling isn’t really about the fall itself. It’s about everything we think might happen afterward. We worry about losing confidence, losing independence, or proving our fears right. We wonder what other people will think if we stumble. We question whether we’re strong enough to keep going.

 

 

I’ve been an amputee for more than seven years, and I have fallen while learning new skills, while using my running blade, and while pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. Even today, there are moments when fear tries to creep in and convince me to play it safe.

But I’ve learned something important: the more we avoid challenges because we’re afraid of falling, the smaller our world becomes.

Fear doesn’t just stop us from taking a step. It can stop us from living.

 

 

Throughout this episode, I share how I learned to trust my prosthesis, build confidence through repetition, and move beyond the fear that so many new amputees experience. I discuss the importance of physical therapy, consistent practice, and creating safe opportunities to challenge yourself little by little. Confidence isn’t built overnight. It comes from showing up every day, taking one more step, and proving to yourself that you can do hard things.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that the best parts of life often exist on the other side of fear. Whether it was learning to run, trying adaptive sports, surfing for the first time, or simply trusting my body again after amputation, every meaningful milestone required me to face uncertainty and keep moving forward anyway.

 

 

If you’re struggling with fear—whether it’s fear of falling, fear of failure, fear of judgment, or fear of the unknown—I want you to know you’re not alone. Every amputee faces these challenges in some form. The key is not waiting until fear disappears. The key is taking action despite it.

 

 

This week’s Warrior Challenge is simple:

What fear is holding you back right now?

Identify it. Acknowledge it. Then take one small step toward facing it this week.

Remember, courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s moving forward in spite of it.

You are stronger than you realize. Don’t stop before you give yourself the chance to prove it.

Keep moving forward, warriors.

 

And as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

 

Much love,

 

RPNI Study Discussion with University of Michigan

RPNI Study Discussion with University of Michigan

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Join the Movement for Above Knee Amputees

 

 

 

What if joining the movement means becoming part of the future of amputee care?

In this episode of the BAWarrior Podcast, I had the honor of sitting down with Jake and Hiva, two PhD students from the University of Michigan, who are working on research that could help shape the future of prosthetic technology for above-knee amputees.

This conversation was personal for me because I know what it feels like to step into the unknown for the sake of healing, hope, and future possibilities. Last year, I chose to take part in an experimental surgical procedure, and I know the questions, fears, and emotions that come with making that kind of decision. It is not easy to say yes to something new, especially when it involves your body, your mobility, and your future.

Jake and Hiva are currently working with RPNI, which stands for Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface. In simple terms, this procedure helps give nerves a new place to grow by wrapping them in small muscle grafts. These “muscle burritos,” as Jake described them, may help researchers better understand movement intention and even explore how a person could one day control a powered prosthetic knee or ankle more naturally.

 

 

What excites me most is that this research is not only about technology. It is about trust. It is about sensation. It is about helping amputees feel more connected to the ground beneath them and the prosthesis they rely on every day. As amputees, we know the physical work it takes to walk again, but many people do not see the mental load that comes with every single step. Research like this could help reduce that disconnect and move us closer to more natural, confident movement.

 

 

 

 

 

This study is currently looking for above-knee amputees who are comfortable using their prosthesis, able to navigate daily life without a wheelchair, and willing to be part of something bigger. Travel, lodging, and food are covered for participants who qualify. The study does involve surgery, so it is not a decision to take lightly, but it may be an opportunity for someone who is already dealing with nerve pain, neuromas, or who feels called to help move the prosthetic field forward.

Research does not move forward without us. Every advancement we see in prosthetics today happened because someone before us said yes.

 

So here is my call to action: Join the Movement. Do not just listen to the conversation; become part of the change. Visit WarriorGround to learn how you can get involved, support amputee research, become an ambassador for Limbs for Humanity, connect with Stride Robotics, or explore opportunities like this University of Michigan study.

You can also email Jake at: jkanetis@umich.edu

or email Hiva at: razavih@umich.edu

Let’s rise up, warriors. Our stories, our bodies, and our willingness to step forward can help build a better future for amputees to come.

 

And as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

 

Much love,

 

 

 

Click the link below to see the flyer for the University of Michigan study:

LL RPNI Flyer (1) 2

7 Lessons From 7 Years of Limb Loss

7 Lessons From 7 Years of Limb Loss

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What I Wish Every New Amputee Knew

 

Seven years ago, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life: to amputate my leg. Looking back now, I can honestly say that journey has taught me more about life, resilience, and myself than I ever could have imagined.

In this episode, I share seven of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through seven years of living as an above-knee amputee. These lessons aren’t just about limb loss, they’re about navigating life’s unexpected challenges, embracing change, and discovering strength you didn’t know you had.

One of the first things I learned is that life is incredibly uncertain. None of us know what tomorrow holds. I certainly never imagined that a martial arts injury would eventually lead to amputation. Yet even in the uncertainty, I’ve learned that life is still beautiful and worth embracing. Every day we wake up with breath in our lungs is an opportunity to live fully, regardless of our circumstances.

 

 

I also talk about change and why fighting it often creates more suffering than the change itself. As amputees, change becomes a constant companion. New sockets, new challenges, new routines, and new versions of ourselves. While change can be uncomfortable, it can also open doors to experiences, relationships, and opportunities we never would have discovered otherwise.

Another lesson that stands out is realizing just how strong we really are. Not physically, although that comes too, but mentally and emotionally. Strength isn’t built on easy days. It’s forged through setbacks, disappointments, pain, and the choice to keep moving forward anyway. Like a diamond formed under pressure, adversity has a way of shaping us into something stronger than we thought possible.

 

 

I also share why learning to appreciate the good days matters so much. Living with limb loss means navigating physical challenges, phantom pain, socket issues, and countless ups and downs. The difficult days teach us to cherish the ordinary ones. They remind us not to take comfort, mobility, or peace for granted.

Perhaps one of the most important lessons is this: don’t do it alone. Finding community has been one of the greatest gifts of my journey. Whether through my Amped Women chats, fellow amputees, or supportive friends and family, connection matters. We were never meant to carry life’s challenges by ourselves.

 

 

Finally, I talk about friendships, mindset, and embracing the roller coaster that is amputee life. The road isn’t always easy, but it can still be meaningful, beautiful, and full of purpose.

My hope is that whether you’re a new amputee, a caregiver, or simply facing a challenge of your own, you’ll walk away encouraged. Life may not look the way we planned, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be extraordinary.

Mindset matters. Give yourself grace. Find your people. And remember—you are stronger than you think.

 

 

What’s one lesson your journey has taught you?

Whether you’re an amputee, caregiver, or someone navigating a challenge of your own, I’d love to hear from you. Share your biggest lesson in the comments, reply to this post, or connect with me through Warrior Ground.

And if you’re walking the limb loss journey, don’t do it alone. Join our community and discover the power of connecting with people who truly understand.

Join the Warrior Ground community and stay connected → HERE

 

And as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

 

Much love,

 

 

Even If…

Even If…

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Rewriting Your Mindset After Loss

 

 

 

What happens when something you spent years building disappears in a single moment?

In this deeply personal episode of BAWarrior Podcast, I open up about the emotional aftermath of being massively hacked on social media and losing access to over twenty years of connection, community, memories, and support systems I had built through Facebook. What started as frustration and heartbreak became something much bigger: a reflection on faith, identity, resilience, and what it truly means to keep moving forward when life knocks you down.

As amputees and warriors, we know what it feels like to sit in the middle of the “why.” Why the injury? Why the pain? Why the setbacks? Why does it feel like we keep fighting battles no one else can see? This episode parallels those same emotions with the unexpected grief of loss and change, reminding us that struggle comes in many forms.

I share honestly about the anger, sadness, anxiety, and feeling of being stuck over the last few weeks, and how I slowly realized that if I truly believe everything happens for a reason, then I must believe this difficult moment can also lead to something greater.

At the center of this episode is a phrase I carry with me every day: Even If.

 

My “No Matter What” reminder

 

Those two words are literally written on my prosthetic socket as a reminder that even if things don’t go as planned… even if life feels unfair… even if we are hurting… we are still capable of rising above it.

This conversation is about choosing faith over fear.
Choosing peace over panic.
Choosing to rebuild instead of giving up.

I talk about how Warrior Ground was born from this exact mindset, creating a space where people can come together through podcasting, advocacy, community chats, equine therapy, connection, education, and support. A place where nobody has to walk their journey alone.

 

You are never alone on this journey! Reach out, find your tribe, connect with community!

 

If you are struggling right now: physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually then this episode is for you.

You are not abandoned.
You are not forgotten.
And your story is not over.

Sometimes the hardest moments are refining us into something stronger than we ever imagined.

Even if life knocks you down…
Even if you can’t see the purpose yet…
Even if the road feels heavy…

You will rise again.

Because warriors do.

Listen in for a heartfelt reminder that hope still exists, healing is still possible, and there is strength waiting for you on the other side of the struggle.

Have a beautiful week and as always…

Be healthy,

Be happy,

Be YOU!!!

Much love,

 

The Warrior Movement Begins Here

The Warrior Movement Begins Here

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Join the Warrior Effect-Get Involved Today

 

What if one story had the power to help someone walk again?

After seven powerful weeks of interviews during Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, this episode of BAWarrior podcast becomes more than a reflection-it becomes a movement.

In this heartfelt finale to the “Survivors to Warriors” series, I take listeners back through the incredible stories shared throughout the past seven weeks. These were not just interviews about limb loss. They were deeply personal conversations about fear, trauma, cancer, grief, PTSD, faith, family, resilience, and the decision to keep moving forward when life changes forever.

From children facing amputation at a young age to young adults rebuilding their confidence and independence, every guest brought honesty and courage to the table. While each story was unique, one thing tied them all together: resilience. Warriors are not born-they are built through impossible moments, painful setbacks, and the daily choice to rise again.

As an above-knee amputee myself, I share openly about how some days I feel strong and empowered, while other days limb loss completely knocks me down. That reality is something many amputees understand deeply. But what inspired me most about these guests was watching people so young choose courage, faith, and perseverance despite everything they had faced.

This episode introduces what I call The Warrior Effect-the ripple effect created when one person’s story, kindness, or support helps change someone else’s life. When someone shares their story, another person feels less alone. When someone donates to organizations like Limbs For Humanity, another person gains the opportunity to walk again. When companies like Stride Robotics innovate and create more affordable, lightweight prosthetic technology, they help restore independence, dignity, and hope to amputees around the world.

Co-Founder, Randy West, of Limbs For Humanity with one of their youngest patients

 

 

Co-Founder and CEO, Revanth Damerla, Stride Robotics

 

Throughout this episode, I discuss why mobility is about far more than simply walking. Mobility impacts emotional health, confidence, mental well-being, freedom, and quality of life. I share the mission behind Limbs For Humanity and their efforts to provide prosthetic care and mobility to underserved communities globally. I also highlight the groundbreaking work Stride Robotics is doing to create lightweight, waterproof powered prosthetics designed with real amputees and real-world accessibility in mind.

But this episode is not meant to simply inspire listeners for a moment before moving on. It is a call to action.

 

 

The time to act is now!

I challenge listeners to become part of the movement by supporting the limb loss community in whatever way they can. Whether that means volunteering, fundraising, donating, becoming an ambassador, spreading awareness, investing in adaptive innovation, or simply listening and learning-everyone has a role to play.

I also introduce the new ambassador program for Limbs For Humanity, encouraging listeners across all fifty states to help spread awareness and become part of something bigger than themselves. This movement is not about competition between nonprofits or organizations. It is about collaboration, compassion, and filling the gaps for communities that are underserved and often forgotten.

*Become an Ambassador for Limbs For Humanity here

*Find ways to help bring nobility to those without access here

*Or check out how to become a part of the innovative side with Stride Robotics here

This powerful finale reminds listeners that healing and resilience grow stronger when people come together. The “Survivors to Warriors” series may be ending, but the mission is only beginning.

The Warrior Effect is real-and now it’s your turn to become part of it.

Have a beautifully, blessed week and as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

 

Much love,

 

 

New Age Powered Prosthetics: A Leap Toward Real Mobility

New Age Powered Prosthetics: A Leap Toward Real Mobility

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Stride Robotics Lightweight Power Knee Redefining Movement

 

 

This episode wrapped up Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in a powerful way by looking toward the future of mobility, technology, and what it truly means to help people live again after limb loss.

After a month full of stories about trauma, cancer, amputation, grief, fear, faith, and resilience, I wanted to end this series by asking a bigger question: once someone survives, how do we help them truly reclaim their life?

That is why I invited Revanth, cofounder and CEO of Stride Robotics, onto the BAWarrior podcast. Stride Robotics is working to redefine mobility through lightweight powered prosthetic technology designed to restore strength, endurance, and freedom for amputees. I also have the honor of serving as an advisor for their company, helping give feedback from the lived experience of an above-knee amputee.

 

In this conversation, Revanth shared his journey from robotics and engineering into the prosthetic world. What stood out to me most was his honesty. He admitted that, early on, he was focused on building something impressive. But through conversations with amputees and prosthetists, he realized that innovation only matters if it solves a real human problem. That shift — from building something cool to building something truly useful — is where the heart of this conversation lived.

We talked about the communication gap between engineers, prosthetists, and amputees. All three groups are speaking from different perspectives, and yet all three must work together if prosthetic technology is going to improve real lives. As an amputee, I know firsthand that we do not always describe things in technical terms. We describe how something feels. We talk about trust, effort, fear, exhaustion, balance, and whether a device allows us to live the way we want to live.

One of the most powerful parts of this episode was our conversation around “mental load.” True mobility is not just about walking. It is about not having to think through every single step. It is being able to hike and look at the view instead of staring at the ground. It is walking into a room without calculating every movement. It is trusting your body and your prosthesis enough to live fully.

Revanth explained how Stride Robotics is working on a powered knee that is lighter, quieter, more affordable, and more functional than many powered options currently available. Their goal is to reduce strain on the hips, back, shoulders, and intact limb while helping amputees move with more confidence and less compensating. We talked about battery life, USB-C charging, fall prevention, waterproof possibilities, loaner programs, clinician support, and even future data feedback that could help prosthetists better understand how their patients are moving in real life.

But what I loved most was that this was never just a conversation about a device. It was about dignity. It was about access. It was about making sure technology does not only serve the few who can afford it, but eventually reaches amputees around the world who are desperate for mobility, independence, and hope.

This episode is also a call to action. Whether you are an amputee, prosthetist, engineer, student, investor, donor, or simply someone who cares, there is a place for you in this movement. Stride Robotics needs feedback, connection, research, support, and people willing to help move innovation forward.

Limb loss awareness cannot end with awareness. It has to move us into action. My hope is that this episode inspires you to get involved, ask better questions, support meaningful change, and become a beacon of hope for those still fighting to reclaim their mobility and their life.

 

Join the Movement. Bring dignity, independence, and mobility to all.

Today, that’s YOUR Call to Action, your charge from this month of story telling.

Be a part of the change, today! You can reach out to us:

Angie: BAWarrior360@gmail.com

Revanth: LinkedIn

Stride Robotics: LinkedIn

Stride Robotics: Website

Thank you for watching, sharing, and subscribing.

Let’s change lives, TOGETHER!

See you next week, and as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

 

Much love,

 

Be A Warrior, Become an Ambassador for Change

Be A Warrior, Become an Ambassador for Change

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Limbs For Humanity: Restoring Hope One Leg at a Time

 

 

In this powerful and perspective-shifting episode of Be a Warrior Podcast, I sit down with two men who have not only walked alongside me in my own journey as prosthetists, but who have also chosen to step far beyond the walls of their profession to answer a much bigger calling. Randy and David, co-founders of Limbs for Humanity, join me to share the heart, mission, and real-world impact of bringing prosthetic care to those who would otherwise never have access to it.

After spending the past month highlighting the deeply personal stories of survivors rising into warriors through limb loss, this conversation takes us one step further. Because what happens when someone has the strength, the will, and the fight… but no access to care? What happens when survival isn’t enough because the resources simply aren’t there?

 

 

That’s where Limbs for Humanity steps in.

Randy and David open up about how their work as everyday practitioners exposed a growing and heartbreaking gap—even here in the United States. Patients with jobs, families, and insurance still found themselves unable to afford prosthetics due to overwhelming deductibles and lack of coverage. What began as quiet, pro bono care quickly revealed a much larger need—one that couldn’t be ignored.

 

 

That need didn’t stop at our borders.

A single message about an underserved clinic in Rocky Point, Mexico sparked what would become a life-changing mission. Within months, they packed up their car and headed south, unsure of what to expect. What they found was staggering: hundreds of amputees with little to no access to prosthetic care. But what impacted them most wasn’t just the need—it was the people. Their resilience. Their gratitude. Their spirit.

 

 

We talk about the stark differences between limb loss in the U.S. and in underserved countries—where something as treatable as an infection can lead to amputation. Where young parents in their twenties and thirties lose limbs and, with them, their ability to provide for their families. And yet, even in the face of that, their strength is undeniable.

Through heartfelt stories—like young children receiving their first prosthetic and running, playing, and simply being kids again—you begin to understand that this work goes far beyond mobility. It restores dignity. Independence. Purpose.

 

 

 

 

 

But it’s not without its challenges.

The greatest barrier? Resources. Not time. Not skill. But the tangible components—knees, feet, liners—that make each prosthetic possible. Even with reduced costs and donated materials, the need far outweighs what they can currently provide. And that’s where this episode becomes more than a conversation—it becomes a call to action.

There are so many ways to get involved. From donating funds or unused prosthetic parts, to volunteering time, offering professional skills like grant writing, or simply spreading awareness. One of the most exciting calls to action introduced in this episode is the push for ambassadors in all 50 states—individuals willing to be the voice of this mission in their own communities.

Because here’s the truth: you don’t have to change the whole world to make an impact. You just have to be willing to help change one life.

This episode is a reminder that being a warrior isn’t just about overcoming your own battles—it’s about reaching back and lifting someone else up. And together, we have the power to do just that.

 

Join the journey!

Check out their website HERE and ways you can get involved!

Want to find out how to become an ambassador? Check it out on my Warrior Ground website, HERE!

 

Become a part of something bigger, and join the movement!

Have a blessed week, and as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

 

Much love,

 

When God Becomes Hope: A Teen’s Journey Through Loss and Healing

When God Becomes Hope: A Teen’s Journey Through Loss and Healing

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Faith Fueled Resilience: Abri Bentley’s Story

 

There are moments in life when everything slows down just enough for you to hear what truly matters. This episode was one of those moments for me. As I sat across from Abri, I wasn’t just interviewing a guest-I was witnessing a living, breathing testimony of what it looks like to hold onto hope when everything else tries to take it away.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” That verse from Romans 12:12 felt like it wrapped itself around this entire conversation. Because if there is anyone who embodies that kind of faith in motion, it’s Abri.

 

Abri’s first dance recital after amputation.

I first met Abri years ago, just after my own amputation. I was standing in a church parking lot on crutches, when I heard someone call my name. I turned to see a young girl—no older than nine—being carried over to me, full of light, full of joy, completely unshaken by the challenges she had already faced. In that moment, she didn’t just meet me… she steadied me. She spoke life into me without even realizing it. And I remember thinking, “If she can do this… I’m going to be okay.”

Fast forward to today, and that same young girl-now seventeen-is still walking through more than most people will ever understand. But what struck me the most during our conversation wasn’t just her strength. It was her honesty.

 

A young Abri battling cancer.

Abri didn’t sugarcoat the hard. She didn’t pretend that faith erases fear or pain. She spoke openly about the anger, the confusion, the loneliness. About the moments where her faith was shaken to its core. About isolating herself because fear felt safer than being seen. And yet… she didn’t stay there.

That’s the difference.

She made a choice-again and again-to lean back into God. Not perfectly. Not without questions. But with a willingness to trust, even when nothing made sense.

 

Laughter and sense of humor is so helpful amidst trials. Never lose your smile!

And what I see in her now is something even more powerful than the fearless little girl I first met. I see depth. I see resilience forged through pressure. I see a young woman who understands that faith isn’t about having all the answers-it’s about knowing where to turn when you don’t.

As we talked about what’s ahead for her-another amputation this summer, stepping into adulthood, reclaiming her voice in her own medical journey-I couldn’t help but feel in awe. Because she’s choosing courage in real time. She’s choosing hope in the middle of uncertainty. She’s choosing to believe that something good can still come from something incredibly hard.

And when I asked her what gets her through it all, her answer was simple, but profound: Jesus.

Not as a distant idea. Not as a checklist. But as a constant presence. A friend. A place to bring her anger, her fear, her questions—everything.

That kind of relationship… that kind of faith… it changes you.

It doesn’t mean the road gets easier. But it means you’re never walking it alone.

What Abri reminded me-and what I hope you take with you—is this: it’s okay to feel the hard things. It’s okay to be angry, to question, to struggle. But don’t stay there. Don’t build a home in that space.

 

Our reunion after several years of non-stop trials in Abri’s life.

Life is too short to live without hope.

And hope doesn’t come from the world—it comes from something deeper. Something steady. Something unshakable.

So if you’re in a season right now where everything feels heavy… where fear is loud… where you’re not sure how to take the next step… start small.

Find community. Find people who remind you of who you are when you forget. Open the door-even just a crack-to something bigger than yourself.

And maybe, just maybe… like Abri… you’ll begin to see that even in the pressure, even in the pain, something beautiful is being formed.

A warrior.

Be joyful in hope. Be patient in affliction. Be faithful in prayer. -Romans 12:12

Your story isn’t over.

And neither is the strength inside of you.

As always…

Be healthy,

Be happy,

Be YOU!!!

 

Much love,

 

 

 

 

 

From Diagnosis to Dig, Bridget’s Journey as a Teen Cancer Survivor

From Diagnosis to Dig, Bridget’s Journey as a Teen Cancer Survivor

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A Daughter and Mother’s Story of Resilience

 

This week on BAWarrior Podcast, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Bridget and her mom, Jamie, during Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, and I can honestly say this conversation will stay with me for a long time. Bridget is only fourteen, but the strength, maturity, and perspective she carries are far beyond her years. From the moment we started talking, I could feel that this episode was going to be something special.

 

 

 

I first wanted people to meet Bridget for who she is today, not just through the lens of her diagnosis or her limb loss. She described herself as funny, athletic, and someone who tries to be outgoing, and I loved that. What stood out most to me was how clearly she wants the world to see that amputees are not limited. She wants people to understand that having limb loss does not mean your life becomes small. In her mind, amputees can still go after anything they want, and I think that message alone is powerful.

 

Bridget found her passion and purpose with volleyball. She made her high school volleyball team!

 

As we moved into her story, her mom Jamie helped fill in some of the earliest pieces. Bridget was only six years old when a soccer injury led to swelling in her leg, which quickly turned into tests, X-rays, an MRI, a biopsy, and the devastating news that no parent ever wants to hear: cancer. Jamie shared how ironic and heartbreaking it was that their family had already been deeply involved in raising money for St. Jude before ever realizing their own daughter would become a patient there. Within days, their whole world changed, and they moved to Memphis where Bridget underwent chemotherapy, a below-knee amputation, and months of treatment.

Listening to Jamie speak as a mother hit me deeply. She talked about the helplessness of watching your child suffer and not being able to take that pain away. As a mom, I felt every word of that. She described the trauma of treatment, the fear, the exhaustion, and the emotional weight of having to stay strong in the middle of the battle. And yet through all of it, Bridget kept moving forward.

 

Bridget’s strength was apparent almost immediately! She’s a fighter!

 

What amazed me most was that cancer and amputation were not the end of Bridget’s hardships. After treatment, she endured broken femurs, osteoporosis, growth plate complications, more surgeries, and more recovery. But even with all of that, she never seemed to settle into a mindset of defeat. Instead, she kept looking for the light. She kept believing there would be something better ahead.

For Bridget, that turning point came through sports. When she was able to get back into athletics, especially volleyball, it gave her life, purpose, and joy again. You could hear it in her voice. Sports helped her step out of survival mode and back into being a kid, an athlete, and a competitor. That part of her identity mattered, and it became a huge part of her healing.

One of my favorite moments in this episode was hearing about her determination on and off the court. She made her high school volleyball team, and even after her prosthetic blade cracked, she still found a way to keep going. Duct tape and all, she showed up. That story alone says so much about who she is. She is tough, gritty, and absolutely unwilling to let obstacles define her.

We also talked about her dream of making the U.S. Paralympic volleyball team, and I have no doubt she is on a beautiful path toward something incredible. She spoke about how meaningful it is to be in a space where her disability feels normalized, where she is not looked at as different, but as fully belonging. That really stayed with me.

 

USA Paralympic dreaming

 

What Bridget shared at the end was simple, but powerful: it gets better. Maybe not overnight, maybe not quickly, but there is always something better ahead. That kind of wisdom from someone so young is exactly why this month’s Survivors to Warriors series matters so much.

This episode reminded me that warriors do not always look loud or dramatic. Sometimes they look like a fourteen-year-old girl with quiet strength, relentless hope, and the courage to keep going. Bridget is absolutely one of them.

 

Make sure to join us on YouTube, HERE , or your favorite streaming platform for Bridget’s story and for several more Limb Loss Awareness month interviews of Survivors to Warriors. Like, Share, Subscribe today!!!

 

Have a beautifully, blessed week and remember what a warrior you are!

And as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

 

Much love,

 

 

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