Steps Toward Hope 

Think of the last time you dressed yourself or walked across a room. Then consider your last trek across a parking lot or up and down a set of stairs. For most, these tasks barely register as a thought. But for amputees adjusting to life without a limb, such seemingly simple tasks can seem monumental. For those without access to a prosthesis – impossible. That’s where Limbs for Life Foundation steps in. 

The Oklahoma-based nonprofit helps provide prosthetic care for uninsured or underinsured amputees across the United States, restoring not only mobility but also confidence, independence, and hope. 

“We’re building a legacy, not just physically but spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically,” Executive Director Randy Titony said. “This isn’t a hobby for me.” Titony first became involved more than a decade ago while practicing physical therapy. He joined Limbs for Life first as a board member, then later as executive director. 

“I have a really strong affinity for this type of work and everything that goes into helping amputees,” Titony said. 

That need continues to grow. According to Titony, Limbs for Life receives three to four applications every day. Costs for prosthetic devices can range anywhere from under $10,000 for some below-the-knee prostheses to more than $100,000 for advanced above-the-knee devices. 

Even for insured patients, coverage gaps are common. “What people might not consider is that the event that causes them to need the care in the first place could be the thing that also causes them to lose coverage,” Titony said. “They get sick, they have an accident, they lose their job. Suddenly, they don’t have access to something they desperately need.” 

The organization works directly with prosthetic facilities across the country, helping approved recipients receive customized devices at significantly reduced costs. But Titony says the mission goes far beyond simply paying invoices. 

“We don’t want any of this to be transactional,” he said. “We just want these people to be successful.” 

One of Limbs for Life’s many inspiring connections to the Edmond community comes through the Endeavor Games. American Paralympic athlete Derek Loccident ran his first race at the Endeavor Games using a prosthetic provided through Limbs for Life. 

That same spirit and her heart for people is what drew Edmond prosthetist Amy Skuta to the organization nearly 15 years ago. Now clinic director at Martin Bionics, Skuta first volunteered with Limbs for Life as a resident, helping inspect and refurbish donated parts while offering clinical guidance to ensure recipients received safe, appropriate products. 

“The team has such a huge heart,” Skuta said. “They’re out there trying to do the most good possible and help people become the best version of themselves.” 

Skuta also helps patients navigate the emotional realities of limb loss, especially in an age where social media can create unrealistic comparisons. “You see amputees online running and jumping and doing amazing things,” she said. “But you don’t know the journey they took to get there.” 

She encourages patients not to compare experiences and reminds them that while life after amputation can still be full, it will look different. “It doesn’t mean you can’t do things,” she said. “It just won’t ever be the same as it was before.” 

For Limbs for Life, every donation, volunteer hour, and refurbished component represents another step forward for someone rebuilding their life. The organization is able to provide a below-the-knee prosthesis for $3,000 and an above-the-knee prosthesis for $4,000. With overhead costs covered, this amount translates directly into a limb for someone in need. 

“Every penny, every dollar, every caring person counts,” Titony said. “Eventually, it turns into a leg.” 

Learn more about their mission at limbsforlife.org.