To empower, educate and connect people living without both arms or more |
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Welcome to the ESFL newsletter. This monthly-ish message shares resources and events designed for people living without both hands/arms or all four limbs.
Please feel free to share and forward it!
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Meet Dane
in our September Spotlight
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Dane Steenburgen was just a regular teenager from Missouri. He enjoyed video games, spending time with his family, and had big goals and dreams for his upcoming high school graduation. However, in November of 2022 he got sick with Influenza A, which then turned into sepsis from Group A Strep, and just like that, his life was put on to a different trajectory. Dane was put on life support and spent 6 weeks in the ICU, another two weeks in a different unit, and one week in a pediatric rehabilitation center, all before undergoing quadruple amputations and cochlear implant surgery in February of 2023.
Keep reading to learn more about Dane... you'll even catch some videos of him bowling and riding waves.
*Know someone we should highlight? Please email and introduce us!
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Message from the Executive Director | |
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Hello Everyone!
Did you know September is Sepsis Awareness Month? According to the Sepsis Alliance, 10% of amputations are caused by Sepsis. Sepsis can also be caused by a pressure wound, which is not uncommon for those using a prosthesis or medical device. Knowing what to watch for is important, and this month is the time to learn more!
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ESFL Website
We are hard at work on updating our website to make it easier to use. We are always adding resources, so visiting regularly makes sense. Stay tuned to our social media and newsletters over the next few months. Thanks to Jay Miller at ImageHaus, Samoana Matagi and Karen Lundquist for making this happen!
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Share Your ESFL Review Love at Great Nonprofits
If you value our work then tell the world! Share your ESFL review on Great Nonprofits–a review site like Trip Advisor–and you will build visibility for donors, volunteers, and people who need our resources. In just three minutes you can make a difference for ESFL and our community. Go to https://greatnonprofits.org/org/enhancing-skills-for-life to get started!
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Please keep scrolling for all of the latest ESFL news. | |
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September is Sepsis Awareness Month
We asked Katy Grainger, Sepsis Survivor and Sepsis Alliance Board Member to write up a piece for our September newsletter. Read more about Katy, learn the symptoms of sepsis, how limb loss can occur with sepsis and how you can help raise awareness about sepsis. Also make plans to join Samoana and Katy on Sunday, September 22 for a special zoom. More details below.
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COMING IN OCTOBER
Hands Free: Online Parenting Roundtable
We have assembled an awesome panel of experienced parents who will share their experiences, tips and insights for parenting while living without both hands/arms or more. Whether you parent a newborn or a young adult, you will hear real-life examples and be able to ask questions. It will be recorded and available on the ESFL YouTube channel as well as being converted to a written guide. Stay tuned!
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Hands Free: Sexual Health & Intimacy Guide
After the incredible success of our Hands Free adaptive equipment publication, we're creating a guide that covers this important, personal topic. From a hands-free point of view, we're covering questions that can be tough to ask and even more difficult to find trustworthy answers. If you want to be involved, please reach out to us at info@enhancingskillsforlife.org.
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Andy Mattox's Rock & Bowl Week
Whether you bowl regularly or just want to join the fun, come to
Andy Mattox's 2nd Annual Rock & Bowl Fundraiser Sept 27-29 in Medina, Ohio. There's something for everyone, including the experience of being with others living without hands, arms, or more. If you enjoy bowling, live music, good times and great food, check out the details!
SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT
Funded by the Dralla Foundation, this scholarship includes:
- A bowling device to take home
- Support for learning to bowl
- Most (if not all) travel costs
for someone living without arms/hands or more to attend Andy's event. Click here for details and to start your application today!
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San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC)
We have 13 ESFL community members participating in the Challenged Athletes Foundation Community Weekend/SDTC. If you want to join in, cheer, support our athletes or just experience this incredible event, email us at info@enhancingskikllsforlife.org.
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| Swim (.5 mile) | Bike (12.4 miles) | Run (3.1 miles) | | Team A | Samoana Matagi | Eric Nelson | Jason Koger | | Team B | Dawn Dubsky | Torie Mugo | Rebecca Armenta | | Team C | Hector Picard | Hector Picard | Hector Picard | | Team D | Ian Guzman | Ania Marecka | Marco Nunez | | Team E | Andy Mattox | Jessica Cox | Andrew Case | | |
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What does Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) do?
SO much, including provide grants for adaptive sports equipment. Starting in early October, applications will be accepted for the 2025 cycle (dates to be announced.) Watch the CAF Grant Website for updates or Email them for more information.
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Calling All Sponsors & Exhibitors
Share how your organization connects with people living without both arms, hands or more. As the premiere event for this community, you will want to save your space early! The details are all in the Skills for Life 7 Prospectus, we would love to have you join us! Come show off your organization at this one of a kind workshop. Your support makes the workshop possible and brings the mission to life all year round.
Skills for Life only happens every three years so plan for 2025!
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ESFL Skills Exchange Sunday:
Sept 22 at 6 pm Central
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Join your host, Sam Matagi, for a Skills Exchange Sunday session on Sunday, September 22 at 6pm central/7pm eastern. This month features Sepsis and Katy Grainger, Sepsis Survivor and Sepsis Alliance Board Member, as our guest speaker.
Also, big congratulations to John Yount and Lee York, our August Bingo winners, who received Amazon gift cards!
Use the link below to join the Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84630193213
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JOIN SAM ON SUNDAY,
Sep 22,
6pm central/7pm eastern
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Upcoming Events & Programs |
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Camp NO LIMITS
Camps for children with limb difference and their families. Many locations and dates to choose from.
Website
Various Cities/States
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Hanger Empowerfest
Connect with others with lower and upper limb difference.
Website
Bellevue, WA
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Andy Mattox's 2nd Annual Rock & Bowl Fundraiser
See website for scholarship application and details about the weekend.
Website
Medina, OH
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San Diego Triathlon Challenge
This year’s event features a 1/2-mile swim, 12.4-mile ride and 3.1-mile closed course run - participate in the full tri, as part of a relay team, or participate in a single sport.
Website
San Diego, CA
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Get Involved!
Thank you to those who contacted us about volunteering! We are still looking for help, so let us know if you have time, experience, resources, or referrals/connections to support:
- SFL 7 Planning Committee
- Board Membership
- Strategic Planning Committees
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Change a Life, Donate Today
The Skills for Life workshop was developed in 2002 with a specific focus on people living without both arms or more and the unique set of circumstances they face on a daily basis. The nonprofit was founded in 2017 to ensure we could continue supporting the members of our community with programs, events, resources, and connections. Please click the Venmo or PayPal donate buttons in this section to donate. PayPal allows you to donate via your account or with a credit card. Venmo requires you to have an account. Donations can also be made via check, payable to Enhancing Skills for Life, 16111 Park Center Dr, Houston, TX 77059.
Any and all donations, large or small, are greatly appreciated!
Enhancing Skills for Life, 501c3 Tax ID: 81-2619137.
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