Prosthetic Purchase
Donation protected
On August 26th, 2019 I was diagnosed with an aggressive bone cancer, though I was physically prepared, my biggest challenge would be my attitude. The choice I would need to make would have a big impact on how I could overcome a situation I had little control over, so I chose to stay as positive as possible. Based on the 2014 University of Texas Commencement speech given by Admiral William H. McRaven, “My bed is made” became my battle cry. No matter what happened each day there was going to be something positive. A small victory is still a victory.
The challenges I had to face, pushed it to the limits. The diagnosis alone of Osteosarcoma in my left leg, four cycles of Chemotherapy, then surgery with the potential of amputation to remove the tumors would be the darkness haunting me. It was also at this time I was placed on disability due to the effects the cancer had on the bones in my lower leg. The leg was potentially brittle and subject to fracture, as a Law Enforcement Officer this wasn’t safe.
I won’t have been prepared physically, mentally, or spiritually if it wasn’t for my family, my prayer warriors, my TNT Fitness and Sports Performance family, and my StrongFirst family. Learning to live “by the shield”, previously attending StrongFirst Level 1 and 2 certifications, and StrongFirst Bodyweight training, instilled in me the value of being a student of strength. Through their support, encouragement, and motivation, I continued to train at TNT Fitness and Sports Performance to remain strong as possible, and encourage others. The support from both StrongFirst and TNT Fitness and Sports Performance families made this journey successful for me and helped me to press on.
After completing the Chemotherapy, and another MRI, we met with our orthopedic oncologist and was given news we didn’t want to hear. The bones in the leg could not be rebuilt and would require the leg to be amputated through or above the knee. On December 11, 2019, the leg was amputated through the knee and my situation became more than a journey, now it would be an adventure.
I call the loss of the leg an adventure since now it was a new challenge into a new normal. My goals are to return to serving on the streets, committing to adaptive training of others with physical challenges, and return as a student of strength through the StrongFirst and TNT Fitness and Sports Performance programs.
To accomplish my goals and being able to pay back to the fitness communities, I need a microprocessor prosthesis. The cost without considering insurance contribution, close to $100,000.00 USD. Base on the potential cost even at 20%, I can’t do this on my own and need your trust and help to invest in my goals. Help me to open doors to strength for others so they to can learn to live behind the shield.
Thank you for your support... Dave
The challenges I had to face, pushed it to the limits. The diagnosis alone of Osteosarcoma in my left leg, four cycles of Chemotherapy, then surgery with the potential of amputation to remove the tumors would be the darkness haunting me. It was also at this time I was placed on disability due to the effects the cancer had on the bones in my lower leg. The leg was potentially brittle and subject to fracture, as a Law Enforcement Officer this wasn’t safe.
I won’t have been prepared physically, mentally, or spiritually if it wasn’t for my family, my prayer warriors, my TNT Fitness and Sports Performance family, and my StrongFirst family. Learning to live “by the shield”, previously attending StrongFirst Level 1 and 2 certifications, and StrongFirst Bodyweight training, instilled in me the value of being a student of strength. Through their support, encouragement, and motivation, I continued to train at TNT Fitness and Sports Performance to remain strong as possible, and encourage others. The support from both StrongFirst and TNT Fitness and Sports Performance families made this journey successful for me and helped me to press on.
After completing the Chemotherapy, and another MRI, we met with our orthopedic oncologist and was given news we didn’t want to hear. The bones in the leg could not be rebuilt and would require the leg to be amputated through or above the knee. On December 11, 2019, the leg was amputated through the knee and my situation became more than a journey, now it would be an adventure.
I call the loss of the leg an adventure since now it was a new challenge into a new normal. My goals are to return to serving on the streets, committing to adaptive training of others with physical challenges, and return as a student of strength through the StrongFirst and TNT Fitness and Sports Performance programs.
To accomplish my goals and being able to pay back to the fitness communities, I need a microprocessor prosthesis. The cost without considering insurance contribution, close to $100,000.00 USD. Base on the potential cost even at 20%, I can’t do this on my own and need your trust and help to invest in my goals. Help me to open doors to strength for others so they to can learn to live behind the shield.
Thank you for your support... Dave
Organiser
David Knuth
Organiser
Lomira, WI
