Andre's Journey for an Athletic Prosthetic

Hello! My name is Abigale Sparks. I am reaching out to the community on behalf of my father, Andre Sparks. With a large family of six children, our family is no stranger to medical adversity. My father was diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic at 18 years old - and just over five years ago, at age 16, I received the same news. We would spend the rest of our lives dealing with an incurable disease.

About four years ago, he and our whole family, experienced a life-altering tragedy. Due to this chronic disease, my dad’s right leg was amputated just below the knee. Our world changed forever when we found out that our invincible dad and the provider of our household - in the blink of an eye, would become handicapped for the rest of his life.

It is no secret that exercise is essential to the health of a Diabetic, which is why my father recently joined Orangetheory Fitness. I have worked at OTF for almost a year now, and have noticed a significant change in my own health, as well as the members that I see on a daily basis. I knew my dad would be the perfect candidate, and he began his necessary fitness journey to aid in his blood sugar regulation, blood pressure management, and overall health. My Dad has grown a love for Orangetheory. He comes in 3 days a week, striving to do the things we take for granted on a daily basis, like walk on the treadmill safely, or do a squat!

As you can imagine, it is extremely difficult as an amputee to safely perform physical activities and have the same opportunities as others without the proper equipment. Unfortunately, this means he has fallen off of the treadmill multiple times because of the wrong prosthetic piece. Athletic Prosthetics can be costly - even after insurance…

That is why I am working to raise $16,000 for a new Prosthetic Blade - The AllPro XTS - and Suction Sleeves through our Orangetheory and surrounding communities! I am asking humbly as a Daughter, Sister, and Diabetic myself, for help to meet this goal for my Dad. I believe with the collective hands of our surrounding community, we can come together to change the life of not only a Diabetic Amputee - but also a Father and a Grandpa.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to our story. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to reach out to you all.

With Gratitude,

Abigale