By Staff
June 10th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Denise Swedlo, a graduate of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program
I was only two when an accident forever altered the course of my life. Innocently playing outside, I ventured too close to a moving lawn mower, unaware of the danger it posed. The operator was unaware of my presence and backed up, not realizing I had stumbled and fallen behind the lawn mower. I was rushed to the hospital where doctors had to amputate my right arm above the elbow and part of my left hand.
As a graduate of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, I am advocating for safety measures around lawn mowers. I accept who I am today, but I wouldn’t want another child to go through what I did.
It’s important to recognize that accidents can occur in the blink of an eye, with lifelong consequences. By sharing my story and raising awareness, I hope to encourage greater caution and vigilance among parents, caregivers and communities alike.
Thanks for sharing your story, Denise. I have always felt that people don’t appreciate the dangers of lawn mowers; not only exercising caution when children are nearby but also paying attention to objects such as gravel that can get drawn into the mower and blown out at great force.