Robert's story

Independence has always been important to Robert. But diabetes and an infection in his foot resulted in an amputation below his knee, leaving Robert worried about life with a prosthetic.

Robert enjoys being outside and walking to shops and restaurants for dinner. "I did not know what my life would be like," said Robert. "It was all just a shock and no one was really helping me understand."

That is, until he started working with Marty Ryan, certified prosthetist and orthotic fitter, of NovaCare Prosthetics & Orthotics' Fond Du Lac, WI center.

In addition to working with Marty, Robert connected with other amputees at the center and they gave him company and confidence. "Marty calls and checks on me all the time," said Robert. Marty has had such an impact on Robert's life that Robert travels an hour, past two other prosthetic centers, just to see him.

Robert is now out of the nursing home and living an independent life. "I can go wherever I want to go," he said. "I am a veteran and fought for freedom and to walk at my stage in life is now my freedom."