For a child amputee, life poses unique challenges–dealing with a growing body and new sizes of prosthetics, navigating school, friendships and activities. There are always concerns and questions for the child and the entire family; a real need for wisdom from those who have been there and can offer support, education and much needed connection. That’s where the War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program comes in–a lifeline (celebrating 50 years in 2025), for children and families across Canada to get help and support during childhood, through teen years and into adulthood.
St. Albert’s Olivia Walsh is one who is navigating the same ups and downs as any other teenager, yet the Grade 8 student knows well the challenges of being an amputee, and the tremendous support that comes with being part of CHAMP. In fact, Walsh is already a mentor to younger amputees, as evidenced at the organization’s recent CHAMP seminar in Calgary, embodying the War Amp’s philosophy of ‘amputees helping amputees’.
Born without a spleen and facing sepsis at age one, Walsh lost a few fingers on each hand and part of her right and left feet. By the time she was in grade one, the youngster had to have her right foot amputated and has now grown out of what she says are, “so, so many prosthetics. At the start of every year, I have to make adjustments.”
Some years there are new artificial limbs, one for horse riding, a waterproof one for swimming, one for everyday life; a life Walsh says is one where she is able to just go about her day, not thinking about or being affected by being an amputee. Thanks to CHAMP, Walsh is eligible for financial assistance for artificial limbs and specialized devices, as well as peer support through seminars that bring together child amputees and their families for a time of bonding and learning about all aspects of amputation.
While Walsh says virtual seminars presented during the pandemic were still great for providing tools to aid with everyday living, it doesn’t compare to the in-person supportive peer environment of seminars like the recent one in Southern Alberta, where child amputees meet other kids “just like me”.
“I love meeting new people, helping others and relating to the other kids my age, where I can go and feel like a normal person,” Walsh said. “I have lots of friends because of CHAMP, and I love talking to younger kids because I’ve already been an amputee almost my whole life.”
War Amps spokesperson Rob Larman, one of the earliest members of the CHAMP program (who lost his right leg at age 14 after friends dared him to jump onto a moving train), says experiences of kids like Walsh are one of the greatest benefits of the program.
“The seminars are a chance to meet families with smiles and happiness, or in bringing people out of a dark place,” said Larman of his experiences through four decades of working with amputees. “It’s so important to have that place of acceptance, of coping with the loss of a limb, of knowing you’re not alone, of gaining knowledge and getting financial support. CHAMP has been an all-important part of my life.”
Larman, who was instrumental in the War Amps PLAYSAFE program in the late 1970s, a response to an increase in enrolment into CHAMP of children who lose limbs due to accidents. (Most child amputees, though, lose limbs for congenital or other medical reasons).
“I still keep in touch with folks I met 40 years ago. The seminars are life-changing events, opportunities to rekindle relationships, learn about changes in device technology and to share ideas,” he adds. “We always say the ‘sky’s the limit’. You can do whatever you want as an amputee–sports, musical instruments, wherever the interest lies with the child, we’ll offer all the support we can on their road to independence.”
Larman praises Walsh as ‘full of positivity, wearing her artificial limb like a badge of courage’. But Walsh, who says she aims to keep riding as she ages, along with building on connections she’s making through CHAMP, says simply that it’s nice to help other children and find a place where she feels she belongs.
Adds Larman, “We’re thankful to Canadians for supporting CHAMP through the Key Tag and Address Label Service. That allows us to provide financial assistance to kids for everyday artificial limbs and recreational devices, plus the important work of advocacy, CHAMP seminars and other initiatives.”
The history of War Amps includes veterans who then turned their attention to help child amputees. Besides CHAMP, programs include JUMPSTART, which offers specialized assistance for those with multiple amputations, and PLAYSAFE; a unique kid-to-kid approach to child safety and potential dangers in play environments. The Matching Mothers program is another initiative started in the 80s, offering support among CHAMP families who have ‘been there’.
The War Amps doesn’t receive government grants; programs are funded with the public’s support of the Key Tag Service. For more information see waramps.ca.
