Traumatic Injury Amputation Patient Stories

After losing his leg at the age of four, Jeremy has lived most of his life as an amputee. Now, he is an award-winning para-athlete, who trusts UPMC with his care.

Read Jeremy's story

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) worker Justin Dawson was only 24 when his life changed in a horrifying crash. Only on the job that day for just one hour, he was helping a stranded motorist on Interstate 77 when a car drove onto the shoulder and pinned him against a VDOT truck. Experts at the UPMC Rehabilitation institute would soon help him to live his life again as an amputee.

Read Justin Dawson's story

After his motorcycle crossed the center line and hit an oncoming car head on, Lance lost his left arm at the scene. He also had a crushed left leg, among other injuries. He woke up a week later — with no memory of the accident — to find surgeons had to amputate his leg.

Read Lance's story

After many years suffering from diabetes, Lee had to have his right leg amputated. When his daughter started planning her wedding, Lee wanted to be able to walk her down the aisle.

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After the amputation of Matthew’s lower right leg, he was determined to heal in time to walk and dance at his son’s wedding. He turned to the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at UPMC Passavant to make that goal a reality.

Read Matthew's story