Joshua Southards, Amputee Blade Runners
This interview explores the inspiring story of Amputee Blade Runners, a Nashville-based nonprofit that provides specialized prosthetic devices to help amputees return to active lifestyles. The organization's executive director shares the founding story, which began with a young football player who broke prosthetic feet playing sports and led to the creation of high-performance running legs. The conversation covers how insurance often only covers basic mobility needs, leaving gaps for athletic and recreational activities. The nonprofit serves people across all age groups, from children wanting to play tag with friends to adults rediscovering running after decades. Key topics include the custom fitting process for prosthetics, community building among amputees, the psychological aspects of limb loss, and how the organization operates through donations and volunteers. The discussion also touches on the various causes of limb loss, from diabetes and trauma to congenital conditions, and emphasizes the importance of giving people tools to live complete, active lives rather than just survive.
