True champions

By War Amps Canada

Nine-year-old Colton Sheppard, of Strathmore, and Bruce Bush, 10, of Invermere, B.C., are both energetic young boys who enjoy all kinds of sports, including hockey. 

At first glance, these two appear to be two typical boys, yet they share something special: they are both amputees.

Sheppard was born missing part of both feet, and Bruce was born a right arm amputee. They met for the first time recently at a local minor hockey tournament where their teams played against each other. Sheppard was watching the game from the bench when a player from the other team caught his attention. Excited, and pointing in the other boy’s direction, he told his mom, “Look, mom! That kid has a prosthetic arm!”

After the game, Sheppard and his mom, Chelsea, introduced themselves to Bush and his family, and they shared their experiences about living with amputation. They also found out that the boys are both members of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program. As “Champs,” they are eligible to receive financial assistance for artificial limbs and assistive devices, as well as peer support.

“It was a nice surprise for Colton to find someone on the ice ‘just like him,’” said Chelsea. “Colton and Bruce can relate to each other in ways that they can’t with their other friends or fellow hockey players.” 

Both families agreed to stay connected, and the boys are planning to get together over the holidays, whether on the phone or playing video games online.

The War Amps receives no government grants. Its programs are possible through public support of the Key Tag and Address Label Service.