In episode 4 of season 2, I get the pleasure of speaking to Wafa Lavelle.
Wafa was born in the Middle East in the country of Jordan. While her mother was pregnant with her, she became sick and had to take medication. Nothing was known at the time about the medication’s side effects on pregnancy, and this led to Wafa being born with birth defects. These included two club feet, legs that were bent to her thighs and hip dysplasia. Because of these birth defects, she was unable to walk and was only able to crawl until seven years of age.
At seventeen Wafa stepped on a nail, and this led to the amputation of one of her feet. With over sixty surgeries behind her and an unpleasant experience with a prosthetist, Wafa is now better than ever. She is a Certified Peer Visitor for the Amputee Coalition and was recently profiled on WCVB TV in Boston for all of the goodwill she offers to others.
Wafa talks about those experiences and more – including funny stories from her life – in this episode of the We’re not Stumped podcast.
Helpful links from this episode:
Hanger Clinic: https://hangerclinic.com/
Wafa in InMotion Magazine: https://www.amputee-coalition.org/inmotion_online/inmotion-29-06-web/10/
Wafa on WCVB TV: https://www.wcvb.com/article/5-for-good-quincy-woman-offers-peer-support-to-others-with-limb-loss-differences/43215101
Amputee Coalition: https://www.amputee-coalition.org/
Amputee Coalition Certified Peer Visitors: https://www.amputee-coalition.org/support-groups-peer-support/certified-peer-visitor-program/
Wafa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wafahaddadlavelle/
#amputee #amputeestrong #Limbloss #prosthetics #prosthetic #staypositive
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In this episode, we welcome Adrienne Hill, a certified prosthetist orthotist (CPO) and Program Director of the Master’s of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics at Kennesaw State University. With a background in physics, mathematics, and health administration, Adrienne brings a unique perspective to the field. Her passion for prosthetics and orthotics is deeply personal—both her great-grandfather and father were amputees, inspiring her commitment to improving patient care. Adrienne has extensive experience as a former area clinic manager, where she provided clinical care, advocated for patients, and mentored future professionals. Now, she is dedicated to shaping the next generation of POP (Prosthetist-Orthotist-Prosthetist) professionals, ensuring they blend traditional care with cutting-edge technology.
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