Carol

On July 20, 2017, Carol’s life changed forever. What began as an aortic aneurysm—a life-threatening emergency—led to a cascade of complications, including Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), a rare condition that caused mini blood clots to form throughout her body. To save her life, doctors had to amputate both of her legs below the knees.

At the time, Carol and her husband, Alan, had just moved to Richmond, Virginia, from Portland, Oregon. With no local doctors or established community, she could only rely on faith and prayer. “God saved my life,” Carol says. “Through the power of prayer, I felt at peace, even in the face of unimaginable challenges. I am a walking, talking miracle. Praise God!”

Carol’s journey began in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, where she spent 42 days recovering from surgery and complications. Despite her positive attitude, there were moments of doubt and fear. “The night before I was fitted with my first pair of prosthetic legs, I cried myself to sleep,” she recalls. “I was terrified that I wouldn’t be able to walk again, that I would be in a wheelchair forever.”

But when the morning came, Carol’s resolve returned. With the support of Joe Sullivan and David Lawrence at The Gait Center, she stood between the grab bars, took her first steps with her prosthetics, and walked the length of the bars. “I was ecstatic! My new legs didn’t hurt, and I knew I could do this. My life would be different, but I was ready to begin again, one step at a time.”

Carol set a series of goals for herself, each building on the last. From navigating her home in a wheelchair to standing on her prosthetic legs, walking with a cane, and eventually playing golf again, she approached each challenge with determination and patience. Learning to walk on uneven ground, climb steps, and regain her balance were all major milestones. “Every achievement, big or small, started with many small steps and a lot of practice, encouragement, and help,” she says.

Her progress wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of her husband, daughters, and the medical team that guided her along the way. From Dr. Leo Gazoni, who performed her aneurysm surgery, to Joe Sullivan, who crafted her prosthetic legs, and David Lawrence, who helped her regain balance and mobility, Carol is deeply grateful. “These providers and others encouraged me every step of the way, and they continue to do so to this day.”

Today, Carol is living proof that life after amputation is not only possible but full of purpose and joy. She drives her car every day using adaptive hand controls, plays golf in a nine-hole group at Willow Oaks Country Club, and helped found the Mission Gait Golf Group. Perhaps most meaningful to her is the opportunity to mentor and support other amputees. She leads an Amputee Zoom Group every Monday night, providing a space for laughter, encouragement, and shared experiences. She also volunteers as an Amputee Peer Mentor at Sheltering Arms Rehabilitation Center, helping new amputees find their inner strength and positivity.

When asked what advice she would share with others, Carol offers wisdom born from her own experience. “This is your journey. Don’t compare yourself to others. Take it one step at a time—it’s often one step back and two steps forward. Stay positive and fill your mind with an ‘I CAN DO IT’ attitude. It takes determination, patience, and practice, but you will improve!”

Carol’s story is a testament to faith, resilience, and the power of a positive mindset. With each step she takes—on and off the golf course—she inspires others to embrace their challenges and discover the possibilities that lie ahead.

On July 20, 2017, Carol’s life changed forever. What began as an aortic aneurysm—a life-threatening emergency—led to a cascade of complications, including Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), a rare condition that caused mini blood clots to form throughout her body. To save her life, doctors had to amputate both of her legs below the knees.

At the time, Carol and her husband, Alan, had just moved to Richmond, Virginia, from Portland, Oregon. With no local doctors or established community, she could only rely on faith and prayer. “God saved my life,” Carol says. “Through the power of prayer, I felt at peace, even in the face of unimaginable challenges. I am a walking, talking miracle. Praise God!”

Carol’s journey began in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, where she spent 42 days recovering from surgery and complications. Despite her positive attitude, there were moments of doubt and fear. “The night before I was fitted with my first pair of prosthetic legs, I cried myself to sleep,” she recalls. “I was terrified that I wouldn’t be able to walk again, that I would be in a wheelchair forever.”

But when the morning came, Carol’s resolve returned. With the support of Joe Sullivan and David Lawrence at The Gait Center, she stood between the grab bars, took her first steps with her prosthetics, and walked the length of the bars. “I was ecstatic! My new legs didn’t hurt, and I knew I could do this. My life would be different, but I was ready to begin again, one step at a time.”

Carol set a series of goals for herself, each building on the last. From navigating her home in a wheelchair to standing on her prosthetic legs, walking with a cane, and eventually playing golf again, she approached each challenge with determination and patience. Learning to walk on uneven ground, climb steps, and regain her balance were all major milestones. “Every achievement, big or small, started with many small steps and a lot of practice, encouragement, and help,” she says.

Her progress wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of her husband, daughters, and the medical team that guided her along the way. From Dr. Leo Gazoni, who performed her aneurysm surgery, to Joe Sullivan, who crafted her prosthetic legs, and David Lawrence, who helped her regain balance and mobility, Carol is deeply grateful. “These providers and others encouraged me every step of the way, and they continue to do so to this day.”

Today, Carol is living proof that life after amputation is not only possible but full of purpose and joy. She drives her car every day using adaptive hand controls, plays golf in a nine-hole group at Willow Oaks Country Club, and helped found the Mission Gait Golf Group. Perhaps most meaningful to her is the opportunity to mentor and support other amputees. She leads an Amputee Zoom Group every Monday night, providing a space for laughter, encouragement, and shared experiences. She also volunteers as an Amputee Peer Mentor at Sheltering Arms Rehabilitation Center, helping new amputees find their inner strength and positivity.

When asked what advice she would share with others, Carol offers wisdom born from her own experience. “This is your journey. Don’t compare yourself to others. Take it one step at a time—it’s often one step back and two steps forward. Stay positive and fill your mind with an ‘I CAN DO IT’ attitude. It takes determination, patience, and practice, but you will improve!”

Carol’s story is a testament to faith, resilience, and the power of a positive mindset. With each step she takes—on and off the golf course—she inspires others to embrace their challenges and discover the possibilities that lie ahead.