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Writer's pictureRachel Johansen

My leg




You have probably seen from photos or my profile book that I’m an amputee.  If that is something that makes you wonder if I’m capable of parenting, I encourage you to ask me questions.  I assure you, no question is off limits and I can pretty much guarantee I’ve heard them all.  My answers might ease your mind, or not, and that’s okay too.  I want an expectant mother to feel comfortable in choosing me to parent her baby.


A little backstory…I got an extremely rare and aggressive infection on my leg when I was 5 years old.  In order to save my life the doctors had to amputate my leg below the knee.  After a year of physical therapy I got a prosthetic and have had one ever since.


How has it affected my life?

I won’t lie, it was a traumatic experience, especially at such a young age.  But I had incredibly supportive parents and a great community that helped me.  Over the last 30 years, I’ve used the tragedy to become a better person.  Everything I went through made me more empathetic and caring.  I learned how to approach challenges with determination and grit.

How does it affect me physically?

It doesn’t really.

I was raised believing I could do anything my friends could do.  And I can!  I have no physical limitations (except I can’t wear heels - but I’m okay with that).  I travel the globe, do gymnastics, bike ride, swim and many other physical activities. 


My amputation will affect my parenting but only in that I’ve developed a greater capacity for understanding, encouragement and facing challenges.

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