The Riffe family faced an unusually heavy burden when husband, father and EMT, Joe, was severely injured when he fell off a waterfall while hiking. The injury threatened to end Joe's career, as doctors first recommended fusing his leg joints—a procedure that would save the leg but limit mobility.
Joe wanted to return to work. Saving lives was what he loved to do. So he made a sacrafice. He chose amputation. A sophisticated prosthetic would allow him more ability than fused joints and a chance to return to "normal" life.
But as Joe now says—the only disability he faced was the ability to get that prosthetic. There was a battle with his insurance company, as the proesthetic one needs and the proesthetic one's insurance will pay for are not always the same thing. Joe lost his job, but he became an advocate, as he pushed for legislation to enable amputees easier access to the prosthetics they need.
Being an advocate isn't easy, and neither is facing a mountain of medic bills. To add to the stress, the family experienced another health emergency in late 2014 as Joe's wife fell ill.
Then the family found out they were being forced out of their home and simply couldn't afford the move.
Through this GoFundMe site, the community stepped up to help the Riffes. Thanks to the many people who contributed, Joe, his wife and sons were able to secure a home.
But as anyone knows, we all could get by with a little help from our friends—so the campaign isn't over. There are still bills to pay and needs to be met and support need for Joe to continue his work as an advocate. Be sure to check out his Ignite talk at the Medicine X conference available at http://bit.ly/16ADiFD.
Your contributions matter, and all funds go directly to the family.
Thank you!
Joe wanted to return to work. Saving lives was what he loved to do. So he made a sacrafice. He chose amputation. A sophisticated prosthetic would allow him more ability than fused joints and a chance to return to "normal" life.
But as Joe now says—the only disability he faced was the ability to get that prosthetic. There was a battle with his insurance company, as the proesthetic one needs and the proesthetic one's insurance will pay for are not always the same thing. Joe lost his job, but he became an advocate, as he pushed for legislation to enable amputees easier access to the prosthetics they need.
Being an advocate isn't easy, and neither is facing a mountain of medic bills. To add to the stress, the family experienced another health emergency in late 2014 as Joe's wife fell ill.
Then the family found out they were being forced out of their home and simply couldn't afford the move.
Through this GoFundMe site, the community stepped up to help the Riffes. Thanks to the many people who contributed, Joe, his wife and sons were able to secure a home.
But as anyone knows, we all could get by with a little help from our friends—so the campaign isn't over. There are still bills to pay and needs to be met and support need for Joe to continue his work as an advocate. Be sure to check out his Ignite talk at the Medicine X conference available at http://bit.ly/16ADiFD.
Your contributions matter, and all funds go directly to the family.
Thank you!