How Medical Equipment Reuse Restores Independence
While serving in the military, Les suffered an injury that ultimately led to the loss of her leg. After serving in defense of the freedoms she valued, Les found her own sense of freedom dramatically changed.
“It was hard at first,” says Les Collins, an above knee amputee. “After losing my leg, I had no idea what I would need and just tried to manage.”
As a civilian, Les experienced additional health issues, including three heart attacks, 11 transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and three episodes of kidney failure after receiving medications she had previously reported being allergic to. With each new health setback, Les found herself increasingly isolated at home and struggling emotionally with the loss of her independence.
“I’m not a home person,” says Les. “Being stuck with no feasible way to leave was overwhelmingly depressing.”
Les received her first power wheelchair in 2021 after the death of a neighborhood friend who had asked that his chair be given to Les. While the chair allowed Les to get to and from work, it wasn’t well suited to her needs.
“Unfortunately, the chair was uncomfortable to sit in all day,” says Les. “It was well used and there was no tread on the tires at all.”
Hoping to have her chair repaired, Les reached out to Project MEND after learning the organization might be able to help. Despite the referral, Les had her doubts.
“I was scared to reach out at first,” says Les. “I had been denied for so many things in the past and treated poorly by people, so I was very hesitant.”
From her first interaction, Les felt completely comfortable and confident that Project MEND would be able to assist. The organization picked up Les’ old chair and returned with a nearly new six-wheel power wheelchair.
“The first time I used the new power chair, I cried,” says Les. “For the first time, I felt safe and wasn’t scared the chair might break down and leave me stranded in the middle of the neighborhood.”
Today, Les can do things she never thought possible again. From shopping to mowing the lawn, she has recorded more than 2,000 miles on the chair’s odometer.
“I was so excited when I passed 2,000 miles,” says Les. “I definitely got my mobility back!”
For Les, the right equipment did more than make daily tasks easier. It restored her independence, confidence and movement that once felt out of reach. It allowed to her to once again live life on her own terms.
“I feel almost back to my normal independence,” says Les. “Because of Project MEND, I got my freedom back.
Key Takeaways:
- For more than 30 years, Project MEND has helped individuals living with disabilities and illness overcome barriers through refurbished medical equipment and assistive technology. Learn more about their mission and the services they provide here.
- At Warm Springs Foundation, we proudly support Project MEND along with others in our Circle of Care who provide life-altering possibilities for those living with disabilities.