A New Beginning: Heather's Story with Limber UniLeg
- Samantha Obligacion
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
"For the first time since my amputation, I was able to walk on the beach without difficulty."
At Limber, we’re driven by the strength and resilience of our patients. While we’re proud to highlight the power of digital design in prosthetics, our top priority is improving the lives of amputees around the world. In this blog, our patient, Heather, shares her incredible journey as a below-knee amputee overcoming the challenges of limb loss and gaining a new sense of freedom with the Limber UniLeg. The UniLeg is a fully 3D-printed transtibial prosthesis that’s dynamic, durable, and affordable. Heather’s powerful story demonstrates the physical, emotional, and mental empowerment that comes with regaining mobility and independence.
"On July 4th weekend in 2010, my life changed forever, though I didn’t realize it at the time. It’s incredible to think back and see how one event would shape me, both physically and mentally, for the rest of my life. What a journey it has been.
I was a 38-year-old mother of two, happily married, and working full-time as an insurance agent. My life was full — traveling for work, spending weekends at baseball tournaments and football games, and enjoying boating and fishing with my family. Our life was what many would call “the American dream.”
That weekend, we headed to the lake to stay with friends, as we often did. On one particular evening, my husband Darren, our sons - Zack and Peyton, and I joined a friend on a golf cart ride to visit nearby friends. This was a common activity for us, so I had no concerns. But this night would be different.
The driver of the golf cart had been drinking, and although my husband warned him to slow down, he lost control of the cart. The next thing I knew, I was lying on the ground, staring up at the stars, struggling to comprehend what had just happened. I couldn’t move, but my maternal instincts kicked in. I needed to know if my children were okay. My husband was beside me, holding my head and reassuring me. I could hear my children’s voices—thankfully, they were unhurt. I soon learned that the golf cart had flipped, and while everyone had been thrown from it, the vehicle landed directly on me. I took the brunt of the accident, and my life would never be the same. The severity of my injuries became apparent: 14 broken bones, including a broken sternum, broken ribs, punctured lungs, a broken leg, a dislocated shoulder, and internal bleeding. It was the start of a long and painful journey.
After several months of recovery, my body began to heal, but my leg didn’t. Despite efforts to save it, amputation became the only option. In April 2011, I lost my leg. When amputation is your only option, it seems like the absolute end of just about everything in your life. However, it didn’t take me long to decide this was in no way going to stop me. I was determined to live my life standing tall and proud.
In August 2011, just four months after the amputation, I received my first prosthetic leg. I stood up, and I haven’t sat down since. Since then, I’ve lost more than 150 pounds and gained a deeper empathy for others. I have a compassion and empathy for others that has come with my own personal experiences. I LOVE life and I want every amputee out there to learn to LOVE life again!
Recently, I was approached by my local prosthetist asking if I would be interested in trying a new leg. He had been in conversations with a new company, Limber Prosthetics, based out of San Diego, CA for a completely waterproof 3D printed leg. I immediately agreed, asking “Where do I sign up?!” Little did I know how amazing Limber Prosthetics would be and how my life was once again about to change for the better.
On August 27, 2024, I was scanned and fitted for the Limber UniLeg. Despite me being located thousands of miles away in North Carolina, the Limber team was able to create a completely personalized prosthesis for me in such a short amount of time. The process was incredible: using just an iPhone scan and measurements from my current prosthetic, Limber created a leg that fit perfectly! They had never seen me in person or met me physically, yet the leg fit like a glove. I received the UniLeg on September 9, 2024, and the difference was immediate. Weighing just 1.6 pounds compared to my traditional 8-pound prosthetic, the UniLeg felt lighter, more natural, and allowed me to move with greater ease.
For the first time since my amputation, I was able to walk on the beach without difficulty.
The leg’s lightweight design enabled me to walk steadily, without tripping or feeling unbalanced. I even waded into the water—an experience I hadn’t enjoyed since becoming an amputee. The joy and freedom I felt were indescribable.
As I look forward to warmer days, I’m excited about all the possibilities that lie ahead with my UniLeg. I’ll be able to walk in and out of my pool, participate in activities I used to avoid, and enjoy life to the fullest.
Shortly after receiving my UniLeg, I had the honor of representing Limber Prosthetics at the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Conference in Charlotte, NC. Just days after getting the leg, I was walking comfortably for hours without pain. The unique design of the UniLeg even caught the attention of fellow amputees. I have now attended my second trade show with Limber Prosthetics in San Diego, and I feel proud to represent this amazing company. My dreams are coming true, one step at a time, and I want other amputees to know that theirs can too.
Thank you, Limber Prosthetics, for giving me the tools to live life fully again!"
Read more about the UniLeg on our website.
