Life and Limb

Dr. Debra Latour, owner of Single-Handed Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in upper limb absence, explains the importance of occupational therapy before being fitted with a prosthesis and throughout our lives as amputees. A congenital arm amputee, Debi is joined by colleague Bob Radocy. After losing his left hand 50 years ago and not being satisfied with prosthetic technology available for him at the time, Bob launched TRS to design alternative body-powered prosthetic devices for arm amputees. He revolutionized the industry with his development of a voluntary-closing device as an alternative to the traditional hook, as well as activity-specific inventions of all kinds. Bob now consults to Fillauer-owned TRS and like Debi, is a presenter, author and video series co-host.

David has a proven track record of fixing complex problems. A mechanical engineer, he now leads technical teams on major projects for the B.C. government. He loves boating and lives the marine life, literally. His 46-foot Bayliner is his full-time home. He’s a sailor and scuba diver and was a longtime motorcyclist. Three years ago a motorcycle accident changed the course of David's life. Rather than letting the amputation of his left leg above the knee become his whole story, he approached it like he approaches engineering… “another problem to work through.” And like good seamanship, he says, “It’s not about proving what you can handle. It’s about deciding what you should.”

A registered nurse and now a certified life coach, Leslie Karmazinuk brings with her a story of deep resilience. After decades as a healthcare executive, she navigated multiple life-altering events — surviving cancer three times, one time with a fours-months-to-live diagnosis. She has endured the loss of her husband, a devastating event on her home, as well as multiple amputations, the last resulting in her becoming a below-knee amputee. But she rebuilt… physically, emotionally, and professionally, and today she, alongside her daughter as her business partner at Karma Coaching Insights, helps others move past trauma and adversity.

Tracy MacCharles, the former Ontario Minister of Accessibility, never planned to be a politician until she saw a newspaper article announcing the retirement of the then-current MPP. And so, with no experience as a politician, her political journey began. Tracy never planned to be an amputee either despite being just hours away from the amputation of her left leg as a teenager with cancer. At the last minute, a limb-saving surgery was presented. At age 59 she became an above-knee amputee. Tracy knew disability well, professionally and personally as her now-late husband was a wheelchair user and prominent figure in the disability community. But she didn’t know about living with an amputation. And so, her limb loss journey began. Tracy shares how she has navigated her limb loss journey.

Presented by Ottobock Healthcare, this episode welcomes Prince Edward Island’s Lucas Arsenault, a former professional kiteboarder and national champion. Making a living in the ocean as a kiteboarder has its risks, but Arsenault never imagined losing his leg while snorkeling between competitions. A shark attack just two years ago in Turks and Caicos left him an above-knee amputee. Now as a keynote speaker, he shares his perspectives around gratitude and life-change with audiences across the country. He’s joined on the podcast by Aaron Holm, a 20-year-amputee (bilateral above-the-knee) and Head of Consumer Engagement at Ottobock, a global leader in prosthetics, medical technology and clinical care.