For Paralympic athlete Derek Loccident, the journey to winning two silver medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games began with an opportunity to rebuild his life following limb loss. After an accident resulted in the loss of his left foot, access to a prosthesis became an important part of his recovery. With support from the nonprofit organization Limbs for Life Foundation, which funded his first running blade, Loccident went on to achieve international recognition in both the high jump and long jump.
His story illustrates how access to prosthetic care can transform someone's future. Yet behind such achievements lies a broader challenge affecting Americans who face significant financial barriers to regaining mobility and independence after amputation.
