Back in 2008, I was on a local youth football team. We were playing in the championship game, and everything was going well until a member of the other team stepped on my right foot. When I took my cleat off after the game, there was a swelling mass on the bottom of my foot. Upon examination, the local doctor said we should see someone with more expertise. Soon after, I found myself at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. It was here that the doctor told me I had been diagnosed with cancer and that I had a choice: amputate below the knee or try to save the foot and risk the cancer spreading. I opted for the lower risk option, and in January of 2009, I became an amputee.

I think the biggest challenge I have faced since my amputation has been finding an elevated vacuum system that can keep up with me. I’m a pretty active person, and consequently, my prosthetics are always taking a beating! My current pump has been holding up very well, but there is always room for improvement.

My experience with Clark and Associates has technically been brief but is off to a great start. My clinician, Mark McDonald, CPO, LPO has worked with me from the start. He has been a great help over the years and is very good at his job. Although Mark is a fairly new addition to the Clark and Associates team, I believe he will continue to be a great asset not only to the company but to their patients as well. I always enjoy visiting his office in Clive, and I tend to learn something new every time I’m there. With Mark’s help, I have truly made incredible strides in maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle. I participated in basketball, football, track, and marching band all throughout middle school. During high school, I shifted my focus to band and my part time job, but continued to work out and stay active. None of this would have been possible without an excellent clinician, and for that Mark, I thank you.

I am currently attending community college for an associate of applied science degree. I love to play the trumpet and bass guitar, I love playing video games, and I also enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer. My interest in prosthetics and my desire to improve them has compelled me to pursue a master’s degree in prosthetics and orthotics! I have not decided on a school yet and I’m not entirely sure what part of the field I want to go into, but I cannot wait to one day make a difference in the field and in patients’ lives.