Strathmore “CHAMP” forms friendships at War Amps seminar

By Janet Kanters Times Editor

For more than 100 years, The War Amps has been making a difference in the lives of amputees including Colton Sheppard, 6, of Strathmore, and Avery MacAdam, 6, of Morinville.
Colton, born missing part of both feet, and Avery, a right leg amputee, are members of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program. They became friends a few years ago at an annual CHAMP seminar and recently reunited at the 2019 Western Seminar in Edmonton.
“The seminars are so important because Colton is able to meet kids who are just like him,” says his mom, Chelsea. “He has formed many friendships and it’s comforting to know that he has people in his life who understand exactly what it’s like to have an amputation.”
Colton was born with a rare condition known as Adams-Oliver syndrome which stunts growth in different parts of the body. As a result, Colton was born missing parts of both feet along with an underdeveloped heart.
Colton’s orthopedic surgeon put his family in touch with The War Amps when he was born, and he was invited to his first seminar when he was eight months old.
Colton had his first open heart surgery at 23 days old and he is slated to have another surgery next year at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. He will need to have additional heart surgeries as he grows.
CHAMPS has also suggested that Colton have a growth reduction surgery on one of his legs when he’s 10 or 11 years of age, with the goal of making it easier for him to run, drive a car and do other activities. The family will be able to assess the risks and benefits of this type of surgery by following other amputees undergoing the same surgery.
CHAMPS provides financial assistance for artificial limbs and devices, and also provides for various medical related expenses families may incur.
At CHAMP seminars, young amputees and their parents learn about the latest in artificial limbs, dealing with teasing and staring, and parenting an amputee child. The seminar is also an opportunity for child amputees and their families to connect and share similar experiences about living with amputation.
“Seminars are a powerful experience, as Champs and parents learn they are not alone,” says Danita Chisholm, executive director of the CHAMP Program. “Thanks to the public’s support of the Key Tag and Address Label Service, we are able to bring young amputees like Colton and Avery together, as well as provide financial assistance for the cost of artificial limbs.”