Follow Us | Forrest Stump

Whether she’s biking down the Pacific coast, taking her message to Washington, D.C., or climbing a volcano in Ecuador, Nicole is running around the world helping to elevate the voices of the disability community!

Check out Nicole’s latest posts and follow her @RunForrestStump:

runforreststump

Thankful for yesterday’s 18 mile training run un

For every woman to know she has a voice and has so

For every woman to know she has a voice and has something of value to say. Thank you Ruth Bader Ginsburg for paving a path for a more equal and just society. May we continue to pave this path so that others - both men and women - are closer to the freedom this country has promised us. Vote vote vote!!

#ruthbaderginsburg #RBG #notoriousrbg #womenempowerment #women #inmemory #advocacy #policy #freedom #justice #equality #feminism #vote #amputee #access #prosthetics #mobility #speaker #speaking #voice #empoweringwomen #disability #iamadaptive #getoutthevote

We asked and you answered! AMAZING WORK everyone.

We asked and you answered! AMAZING WORK everyone. 👏👏👏5000 signatures... and counting! What an incredible milestone to reach!!

LET’S. KEEP. THIS. GOING. 💪

I wanted to take a moment to share why you all are signing. I have read every single comment on our petition and I’m blown away with the support. Hearing others’ personal experiences shows we’re not alone. Knowing that people outside the disability community support this with the same fervor and passion shows the power in allyship and caring about something even when it doesn’t personally impact you.

Together we are working to upend a long-standing status quo that patronizes the disability community and forces us to *beg* for what we need rather than be guaranteed access to the same basic rights like everyone else.

Someone shared, “Serious. Why is this even something we should have to advocate for?” I couldn’t agree more. But, we must keep fighting for justice to be served.

Keep sharing your stories with us! If you didn’t get a chance on the petition, tell us now, why did you sign? Why does this petition resonate with you? We want to hear! We need your energy! Let’s keep going! Keep sharing and asking others to sign. Link in bio!

#ourrighttoexercise #wejustfeltlikerunning #runforreststump #access #equality #quotes #running #run #advocacy #runnersofinstagram #disability #disabilityawareness #disabilityadvocacy #fightforjustice #allyship ve #diversewerun #petition #signthepetition @changedotorg #socialjustice #allyship

We are SOOOO CLOSE!! Will you help us get to 5,000

We are SOOOO CLOSE!! Will you help us get to 5,000 signatures on our petition for The Rights of Americans With Disabilities To Exercise?

If you haven’t yet signed, SIGN! (It only takes a few seconds). If you have signed, will you share this post and ask others? Use the link in our bio.

Currently, running prosthetics, high-activity orthotics, sports wheelchairs, and sighted guides are all considered “not medically necessary” and denied by insurance. Without coverage, not only is this equipment and assistive care prohibitively expensive, but individuals with disabilities are forced into injury by utilizing improper devices and/or remain inactive as a result. This has led to higher obesity rates, risk of serious diseases, and an early death sentence for the disability community. Insurance companies blatantly discriminate against the disability community as it relates to this medical care, and we must change this.

Through our petition and virtual race, we are calling on Congress to uphold the rights established for the disability community in the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, commit to eliminating the barriers to equal participation in athletics, and ensure affordable access to adaptive sports equipment.

I’m super proud of our grassroots team for sharing this message and getting so close to this milestone! Please help us reach this goal!

#ourrighttoexercise #wejustfeltlikerunning #disability #civilrights #advocacy #petition #sign #change #run #running #runnersofinstagram #runforreststump #runningblade #sportswheelchair #adaptivesports #iamadaptive #exercise #goals #equality #disabilityrights #prosthetics #washingtondc #signthepetition @changedotorg

Elite athletes aren’t born, they’re made. They

Elite athletes aren’t born, they’re made. They require an incredible amount of dedication, hard work, perseverance, and in the case of #disabled athletes, appropriate medical care throughout the course of their lives.

I’m honored to share the story of my dear friend, coach, and elite triathlete @jamiebrowntri!

Jamie has been an amputee for 40 years so he knows the ins and outs of what it takes to get what you need to be an athlete with a disability: self-advocacy, friends in high places, and an unending drive to succeed to name a few.

There are a number of pivotal moments in Jamie’s athletic trajectory to becoming one of the top Paratriathletes in the world. What they have in common is this: access to the prosthetic technology and medical care he needed to chase his athletic potential. “A lot of things had to go right for me to compete at that level,” he said. Unfortunately, in our healthcare system today, it’s very rare when things go right, especially for the disability community.

But sport, physical activity, and exercise shouldn’t just be reserved on the top shelf for elite athletes. That’s why Jamie is committed to coaching the next generation and advocating for a higher standard of care for disabled athletes with #ForrestStump. It starts with re-building, brick by brick, a healthcare system that will acknowledge and treat bodies like ours at an equal level to other bodies.

This is what #WeJustFeltLikeRunning is all about and we need your help. Sign our petition, register for our virtual race, and let’s fight for our right to exercise! Congress must hear this message and we need your help to get it there.

Jamie’s full story can be read in our bio, written by the amazing @kylie.verkuilen. Links to take part in this campaign in our bio! Sign up before race day, October 3rd!

#ourrighttoexercise #runforreststump #teamcaf #lifewithoutlimitations #amputee #athlete #teamusa #advocacy #prosthetics #runningblade #access #iamadaptive #runner #running #triathlon #triathlete #swim #bike #run #movement #healthylifestyle #inspiration #virtualrace #runnersofinstagram #disability #disabilityadvocacy #tokyo2020

“Don’t we always find a way to carry on” 🎵 in video by @brandicarlile (my fav artist!!). And could not be a better theme for my 16 mile run today on the Olympic Peninsula!!

I knew I had to get these miles in to train for my first marathon on Oct 3rd for Forrest Stump’s advocacy campaign #WeJustFeltLikeRunning, but the smoke and fires 🔥 in the PNW have created some major air quality hazards in Seattle! I tried to find a way to run inside at my local YMCA and my apartment gym but every option I had was closed due to COVID-19... a double whammy!!

So thanks to my number one @natharold we found a way to carry on! A respirator and a drive out to the Olympic Peninsula later and we found a beautiful, remote 16 mile stretch for my run today.

I’ll be honest, it hurt. It was a struggle. The longest run in my life so far, complete with a hot and nasty mask that spewed sweat all over my face and arms. 😝But thankful all the same to be able to breathe safely and do so in one of the most beautiful areas of the country.

Wishing all those impacted by the fires strength, health, and safety to continue to carry on through one of our toughest years. 2020. We can do this.

P.S. I’d be honored to have you run alongside me on 10/03/2020 as we fight for the rights of Americans with disabilities to exercise. We have over 250 racers signed up for our virtual race across America (any type of miles count, not just running!) and we need your help to make it all 2,758 miles in one day, on October 3rd, to bring our signed petition to Congress! Link in bio! 🙏

#ourrighttoexercise #forreststump #runforreststump #advocacy #disabilityrights #run #running #runnersofinstagram #firstmarathon #marathontraining #runner #swim #bike #athlete #triathlete #amputee #bladerunner #prosthetic #iamadaptive #disabledandproud #disabledbutnotreally #disability #disabilityjustice #lgbt #pride #training #lifewithoutlimitations #mobility

14 miles of freedom along Lake Michigan! What a sp

14 miles of freedom along Lake Michigan! What a special training run for so many reasons...

☑️ my longest run ever
☑️ beat my 13.1 half marathon time by 24 minutes! (shaving off 1:50 min per mile)
☑️ had the best paparazzi and support crew by my side, including cookies 🍪🥰 @alavram
☑️ and found a dime in the last 1/2 mile (my grandma Billie in heaven leaves me dimes as a way to cheer me on and tell me I’m on the right path 💚)

So excited with this progress and can’t say enough what a difference having a running blade makes!!

The epoxy seems to be holding on my sole but hope to experiment with some other adhesive materials. My only issue was the last few miles I started to have some major pain in my socket and ended up developing a sore on the back of my knee. I know I have the endurance and willpower to accomplish this marathon, my leg just needs to keep up with me!

This is something I’ve really had to shift my thinking on recently. Whenever I’ve had leg issues in the past (sores on my stump, nerve pain, prosthesis not staying on properly, foot breaking, etc), I’ve always internalized them and thought of myself as a failure. 😞 But I know now, my body is nowhere near a failure! 💪😀 It’s being able to access the right technology and support to accomplish what I set my mind to that is the real challenge.

I’m so excited for race day... October 3rd... 26.2 miles!! Will you join me and set a fitness goal of your own? Join #WeJustFeltLikeRunning and show that you support the disability community being active and getting access to what they need to exercise. Link in bio!! Thank you for your support!

#ourrighttoexercise #virtualrace #running #runner #run #runnersofinstagram #runforreststump #justkeeprunning #lakemichigan #charlevoix #michigan #summer #marathon #marathontraining #disability #amputee #prosthetic #bladerunner #runningblade #disabilityrights #equality #access #healthcare #petition #congress #iamadaptive #disabledbutnotreally

When you just felt like running but you need to fi

When you just felt like running but you need to find some contact cement and electrical tape for your foot, ya know? One of the many upkeep factors of having a prosthesis. No matter how “bionic” things may seem... they still break and that’s an important thing to remember. Pull back the curtain and you’ll see it’s just a combination (although a beautiful combination ☺️) of carbon fiber, rubber, plastics, and other materials. Nothing that can truly replace the human body!

Walked out the door today to go for my run and about a half mile in my rubber sole fell off my blade. Made getting back a little interesting, but luckily I wasn’t too far out from home. Next I had to figure out what kind of glue I could use (honestly didn’t know since my boo @natharold helps me with this but she was tied up today 🥰). Thanks to @deepal9 @jamiebrowntri and @katya.madden for coming to the rescue with ideas of what to use! 🦸🦸‍♂️ (Note: Gorilla Glue, contact cement, electrical tape, and/or heavy duty Velcro will do the trick!).

After a trip to the hardware store I put some glue on and let it set for a few hours (some adhesives take longer) and was back at it to get my run in today!

Just another aspect that many able bodied runners likely don’t think about and may take for granted. Maintenance and upkeep is a constant as an individual with a disability who relies on assistive technologies to be active and live life to the fullest. Another reason why having access to appropriate technologies is so important!!

Just another reason for me to plug our campaign... Sign our petition. Register to race. Keep on running! Marathon training is still going strong 💪

#wejustfeltlikerunning #ourrighttoexercise #runningblade #prosthetic #broken #runner #running #run #iloverunning #triathlon #athlete #triathlete #swim #bike #nike #disabilityawareness #disabledbutnotreally #disabilityadvocacy #disability #equality #equity #justice #marathon #firstmarathon #marathontraining

It’s an honor to share this story about @aeisenm

It’s an honor to share this story about @aeisenmenger3 and @kdonnewald, two incredible women who are not only powerful athletes, but bring power in their words and action for social change. A dynamic duo on all fronts!

The title of their article “Blind Trust” encapsulates so much; not only the trust they have in each other between a blind runner and her guide, but the trust we place in our society to guarantee the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. A trust that has been damaged and broken, and must be restored for the rights of individuals with disabilities to truly be achieved.

This story is raw with the systemic barriers Ashley faced growing up and the incredible courage - and entrepreneurial spirit - it took to find her own path when every other door was shut in her face. It also shines a light on what it means to be an ally. People like Katie who take the steps to show up and stand up for what’s right.

I’m amazed by these ladies and honored to have them part of our advocacy team for #WeJustFeltLikeRunning! Please read their story, sign our petition, and register to race alongside us on October 3rd. ➡️ LINK IN BIO ⬅️

I’ll end with a quote from Ashley, as there’s truly nothing left to say after this:

“Every *body* deserves to move regardless of needed adaptation. No one should be denied the ability to move. We’ve seen how empowering sports and activity can be for people,” Eisenmenger said. “We’re also seeing the narrative that discrimination is alive. Someone shouldn’t be discriminated against for their race, gender identity, or disability in any facet of their life, and the same should be true in sport. Just because the way I do sports looks different from the way you do sports doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t be allowed to participate. Everyone should have this opportunity.”

🎤 drop

Story written by 🖊 @kylie.verkuilen

#ourrighttoexercise #runforreststump #blindathlete #blind #visuallyimpaired #runner #runnersofinstagram #diversewerun #access #sport #inclusion #disabilityadvocacy #policy #change #run #iamadaptive #guide #neverstop #equality #equalrights #petition #sign #virtualrace

Thank you @adriannehaslet for having me on the @ad

Thank you @adriannehaslet for having me on the @adriannestrongpodcast last week! What an honor!

Adrianne and I first met in Ecuador while climbing Cotopaxi with the incredible @rompglobal crew. We hit it off talking all things advocacy and our experience as amputees navigating a broken healthcare system. This podcast felt like picking right back up where we left off and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Thinking back to Ecuador, it was an incredibly unique way to meet (given I live in Seattle and she was born and raised near there), but sometimes it takes thousands of miles and being on a volcano to truly get to know people. We took bonding to a new extreme! 15,000 ft sitting down to an amazing meal at the refuge... hiking Pasochoa... chilling with the girls at Los Mortinos. Will never forget those memories! (Pics included ☺️)

After that trip I knew one day we’d connect again on something big. I called Adrianne up to tell her about #WeJustFeltLikeRunning and she was immediately on board.

Super excited to have the #AdrianneStrong team behind this and also Adrianne’s voice as a disability rights activist. She’s done some incredible work with @repkennedy on bringing out the vote for individuals with disabilities, as well as creating opportunities for #adaptiveathlete competition at the Boston Marathon with @teambaa. Now with #WeJustFeltLikeRunning it’s all coming together!

As she said, “Join the movement, with movement!” Head on over to Adrianne’s podcast to listen, and I hope you’ll be inspired to join this movement too. You can help right now by:

1️⃣ Signing our petition
2️⃣ Registering for our race
3️⃣ Spreading the word!

LINK IN BIO. 💪

#ourrighttoexercise #runforreststump #adriannehaslet #bostonmarathon #boston #disabilityrights #runner #running #run #runnersofinstagram #virtualrace #congress #equality #access #podcast #amputee #disability #bladerunner #iamadaptive #prosthetics #runningblades

12 miles and all smiles on today’s long run!! Go

12 miles and all smiles on today’s long run!! Going longer and feeling stronger each week on my way to 26.2 on October 3rd for #WeJustFeltLikeRunning!

Today’s run was extra special thanks to my stepdad @alavram for riding alongside me and being my support crew. ☺️ It was a perfect day for a run... blue sunny skies and a dip in Lake Michigan at the end!

Every season brings its own challenges, but I find the humidity and heat in the summer adds a layer of complexity to the fit of my prosthetic socket (sweating and swelling change the shape and size of my stump). As a result, last week I ravaged my stump on my long run and it left me with a really tender tibia which I iced for a couple days. Going into today I was a bit nervous since it would be my longest run yet, but I was able to stay ahead of it. Thankful it is feeling so good and I’m loving every minute!

Thanks to everyone for your support leading up to our big race day! If you haven’t yet... SIGN UP!! Join me and let’s do this together. Any miles...walk, run, swim, or roll! LINK IN BIO.

#ourrighttoexercise #marathontraining #virtualrace #run #runnersofinstagram #running #iloverunning #runner #amputee #disability #iamadaptive #bladerunner #prosthetic #runningblade #access #healthcare #lifewithoutlimitations #access #equality #equalrights #exercise #goals

I’m honored to share the story of my friend Patr

I’m honored to share the story of my friend Patrick Pressgrove @phtptxclsv, written by my incredible sister @kylie.verkuilen, as part of our advocacy campaign #WeJustFeltLikeRunning!

Patrick has always had a fire burning deep inside of him. It’s what has driven him to overcome immense obstacles in his life. Foster care, 20 surgeries by age 6, chronic pain and hospitalizations, bilateral above knee amputations, learning to walk with prosthetics at age 14. He’s one of the strongest people I know.

One obstacle he should never have had to face was the discrimination of his insurance company, denying him full inclusion in life.

Since gaining access to his running blades through charity, Patrick and others have seen a #transformation in his self-esteem, identity, and sense of community.

When we allow insurance companies to deny access to assistive technologies, it’s not just physical health they are denying. They are denying fundamental American freedoms many of us take for granted every day.

When asked what he hoped the world could look like for #adaptiveathletes in the future, Patrick replied with a simple statement.

“Everyone that wants to be active can be active. And they don’t have to worry about how they’re going to gain access to that. It’s a lot easier said than done which is why we’re fighting the fight.”

I’m honored to fight alongside Patrick as an advocate in this fight for justice. Will you join Patrick in this fight too?

You can register to virtually race with us to DC on October 3rd and sign our petition to Congress to uphold our right to exercise!

Link to Patrick’s full story and ways to get involved in our bio.

#ourrighttoexercise #freedom #justice #equality #amputee #prosthetics #runningblades #running #runnersofinstagram #run #athlete #triathlete #halfironman #bilateralamputee #strength #courage #warrior #disabilityrights #ada2.0 #runforreststump #iamadaptive #disabledandproud #inclusion

Long run day... 10 hot, humid, and sweaty miles in

Long run day... 10 hot, humid, and sweaty miles in the books! I forgot how humid Michigan is, definitely adds something extra to these runs. 😝 Swipe ⬅️ for more sweat! October 3rd, 2020... #WeJustFeltLikeRunning ... my first 26.2... here we come!!

Set your own fitness goal and let’s conquer this together! Join me! LINK IN BIO. 💪

#ourrighttoexercise #runforreststump #runner #runnersofinstagram #running #run #iloverunning #marathontraining #goal #commitment #keepgoing #pushyourself #amputee #prosthetics #bladerunner #disabilityrights #freetomove #freetoexercise #healthy #policychange #justice #equality #iamadaptive #disabledandproud

Physical activity is a human right. Yet, the medic

Physical activity is a human right. Yet, the medical equipment needed by individuals with disabilities to be physically active is inaccessible. It’s time we change this!

There are 21 million Americans living with physical disabilities in the United States; this campaign and petition was started by 11. Dee, Mallorie, Mohamed, Nick, Adriel, Mary Kate, Lina, Jamie, Ashley, Patrick, and Nicole. These are our names. We have amputations, visual impairments, spinal cord injuries, and neuromuscular disorders. Despite what you may believe, this is not what “disables” us. We are disabled by the outdated, discriminatory healthcare policies that deny us access to an active, healthy life.

Together, we’ve decided it’s time for change. Our community is disproportionately experiencing the negative health effects, costs, and lack of opportunity that comes from inactivity. It’s time for this health and economic disparity to be addressed to bring equal rights and equitable access to the disability community.

Over the next month, we will be getting personal, sharing our stories, reliving the barriers we’ve faced as a way to educate you and the community about what we’ve endured in the face of an unjust system. It’s not always easy to tell these stories, but it’s critical to have our voice come to the forefront as advocates in the fight for our own rights.

We hope these stories will help you understand and be “inspired” in a new way... an inspiration that compels you to recognize your own mobility and take action in the fight for justice and equality for all.

#wejustfeltlikerunning #ourrighttoexercise #runforreststump #advocacy #justice #equality #amputee #wheelchair #visuallyimpaired #disabledandproud #disability #disabled #iamadaptive #lifewithoutlimitations #adaptive #run #running #runners #runnersofinstagram #petition #campaign #inspiration

Thank you to Scott Davidson for having me on his s

Thank you to Scott Davidson for having me on his show @living_adaptive to chat about our campaign #WeJustFeltLikeRunning! It was an absolute pleasure and Scott, having a disability himself, we just clicked. We talk everything from human rights, discrimination, to what it’s going to take to upend this system!

I love Scott’s call out: “Will YOU change the world even when the odds are against you? Will you lead the fight against big insurance companies and a powerful lobby on Capitol Hill? Welcome to the next generation of those fighting for the underserved.”

This is exactly what we are doing with Forrest Stump - swimming upstream, challenging the status quo, altering a narrative that has kept individuals with disabilities “in their place” for far too long. We’re fighting for the RIGHTS of individuals with disabilities to exercise. This fight belongs on Capitol Hill. Charity cannot right a wrong, only justice can do that. We are in the pursuit of justice for our community and we will not stop until we get it.

This fight can’t be done alone and it’s going to take all of us.

Head on over to @living_adaptive and click the link in bio for our video podcast! Then drop a comment here to tell me what you think. What resonated with you? What questions do you have?

Let’s change this together!

#disabilityrights #runforreststump #washingtondc #policychange #capitolhill #amputee #runningblade #runner #running #run #triathlon #swim #bike #run #justice #freedom #equality #equalrights #socialjustice #cripthevote #disabledandproud #advocate #disabusingdisability #disabilityadvocate

Started off 29 with a beautiful birthday swim this

Started off 29 with a beautiful birthday swim this AM! It’s been awhile (with pools shut down and lack of access to consistent open water) so I felt a little rusty, but all the same it was amazing and it’s on my list of what makes a perfect “Nicole day” (lol thanks @catiefox26.2 for coming up with that!). So thankful to my step dad @alavram for getting up early so I could swim across safely and also tow my kayak so that we could yak back together. Thank you all for the birthday wishes. It was a truly special day!

#swim #swimming #justkeepswimming #triathlon #bike #run #runforreststump #torchlake #michigan #upnorth #birthday #amputee #openwater #celebration #lake #nature #roka #grateful

I’ve been in a bit of an exercise slump over the

I’ve been in a bit of an exercise slump over the past month. I thought I was the only one, it seemed everyone around me was doing just fine. But after a Zoom call with my team this past week, it turns out that many of them too have been feeling it. I took a lot of comfort in knowing we’ve all been thrown some major adversity, and that it’s ok to not be ok.

Part of it for me has been internalizing the disappointment that has come with this #paratriathlon season. All of it canceled. I’ve thrown my heart and soul into this sport over the past year. And I can say that I truly gave it my blood, sweat, and tears. To have it all end by COVID-19 has been really difficult. I know that my commitment nowhere near matches other athletes who have sacrificed so much to be at the level they’re at, but I’m still incredibly disappointed and thrown for a loop all the same.

With the recent news that the *rescheduled* National Championships have now been canceled, it was another decision outside my control. The lack of control and predictability of the future is one of the hardest parts of all of this.

Now that I’ve had time to reflect and grieve these changes, I realize I still have so much to be grateful for and I still have so much within my control.

That’s why I’ve decided to set a fitness goal for October 3rd as a kickoff to my 29th year alive and our #WeJustFeltLikeRunning virtual race for disability rights. It’s been on my bucket list since 2016: to run my first marathon (26.2 miles)!!

Accomplishing this goal will mean a lot to me. This will be an exciting 8 weeks and I look forward to sharing my training and race day experiences along the way.

Today was my long run of the week, starting at an easy 8 miles. I ran through some amazing Michigan countryside, got chased by a dog, and ended with a beautiful sunset. Week 1 is in the books!

In conjunction with this fitness goal, as well as my 29th birthday, I’m fundraising for #ForrestStump by laying my body on the line! If you’re willing, head on over to Facebook and pledge a few dollars to our cause. Thank you for your support!

#runforreststump #runner #runnersofinstagram #run #running #neverstoprunning #marathon

I'm turning 29-years-old this coming Monday, Augus

I'm turning 29-years-old this coming Monday, August 17th, and what better way to celebrate than with the public release of our award-winning film, 1500 MILES?

This moment has been three years in the making and we hope you enjoy every minute of it!

Over the past year, 1500 MILES has premiered in 12 international film festivals, winning Best Documentary at Taos Shortz Film Festival @taosshortz, an Encore Screening at Heartland International Film Festival @heartlandfilm, and The Sammy and Jules Award for the Short Film with the Biggest Heart and Strongest Spirit at the Cleveland International Film Festival @cifflix.

Our entire team is incredibly honored.

You can watch our film at any time during our #WeJustFeltLikeRunning campaign by visiting our website or clicking the link in our bio.

Additionally, we will be hosting a Facebook Live Watch Party on Monday, August 17th at 5:42pm CT (the date and time I was born) as an opportunity to watch the film together. Make sure you are following Forrest Stump (@RunForrestStump) on Facebook! We hope you'll join us.

If you are moved by our film, we ask for your help in any way you can:

✅ Sign our petition! We have surpassed 2,000 signatures and we need your help to ask Congress to uphold the rights of Americans with disabilities to exercise.

✅ Register for our virtual race on October 3rd to help us deliver this petition in a really unique way to Congress. All types of miles count, not just running!

✅ Donate to Forrest Stump so that we can continue challenging the status quo and fighting for disability rights.

Links to take action in our bio!

Thank you for your support of Forrest Stump and #WeJustFeltLikeRunning!

#ourrighttoexercise #disabilityrights #awareness #amputee #runforreststump #access #prosthetic #bladerunner #mobilityforall #swim #bike #run #athlete #runner #running #keeprunning #policy #change #equalrights #enddiscrimination

As many of you know, I lost my leg to bone cancer

As many of you know, I lost my leg to bone cancer when I was 10. I waited until I was 26 years old before I received the freedom to run.

Was I just really unlucky? Or is this standard of care the norm? I've been asking myself these questions over the past three years, and it turns out, I am not the exception. This is how our healthcare system treats individuals with disabilities: as second-class citizens.

#WeJustFeltLikeRunning is a critical campaign to expose this truth and challenge the status quo. Over the next two months, we will be sharing stories of individuals who, just like me, have been systematically denied access to an active life and forced to rely on charity to exercise.

Here is a sampling of these incredible people:

Zimri Solis @zimrisolis11, Amy Bream @onelegtostandon, Patrick Pressgrove @phtptxclsv, and Megan Harmon @pct_amputee are just a glimpse into the life of an amputee.

What all of our stories have in common is this: a systematic denial to restore our full mobility and potential. Many of us have waited decades. All of us have relied on charity to do so.

We are not charity cases. We are deserving of the healthcare we need to be physically active, just like everyone else. It is time we recognize that it is not our disability that makes us disabled. It is our healthcare system.

Help us upend this status quo through our campaign. You can help us right now in two easy ways (LINKS IN BIO):

1) Sign our petition! We are close to 2,000 signatures and we need your help to ask Congress to uphold the rights of Americans with disabilities to exercise.
2) Register for our virtual race on October 3rd to help us deliver this petition in a really unique way to Congress. All types of miles count, not just running!

If these stories resonated with you, and you have one of your own to share, please send me a DM so that we can collect and use these stories in a really powerful way.

Thank you for your support of #WeJustFeltLikeRunning!

#ourrighttoexercise #runforreststump #freetomove #disabilityjustice #disabilityrights #humanrights #iamadaptive #equality #disabledandproud #healthcare #virtualrace #titleix #amputee #prosthetic #run #running

Super exciting update!! Earlier this week Senator

Super exciting update!! Earlier this week Senator Marsha Blackburn @marshablackburn and Senator Tammy Duckworth @senduckworth introduced the Access to Assistive Technology and Devices for Americans Study Act.
This bill is the first of its kind, and the first one IN SEVEN YEARS that directly addresses access challenges for the limb loss and limb difference community.

This is being led by the @amputeecoalition and we at #ForrestStump could not be more excited with the potential this legislation has for the community.

This bill would commission a study through the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to provide credible, actionable data for policymakers to make informed decisions that will improve the lives of people with limb loss. Barriers to care, gaps in coverage, and disparities between populations would be investigated... including, potentially, access to activity-specific prosthetics, such as running blades! This is a monumental first step and is directly in line with our #WeJustFeltLikeRunning campaign!!

We have the stories. We know the community has access challenges. Now, we can look into the data to help show it!

Our work is not yet done though! This bill has just been introduced and it needs cosponsors in the Senate. You can help right now by contacting your Senators and asking them to cosponsor S.4343. The Amputee Coalition’s template is super simple and easy to use, and already pre-written. Will you take 2 minutes to help?

Check out the “Get Involved” link in my bio and see Action Item #5 - Write Your Senators!

#ourrighttoexercise #runforreststump #amputeecoalition #disabilityrights #amputee #prosthetics #access #washingtondc #healthcare #capitol #change #keepmoving #mobilityforall
#policy #senatorduckworth #disability #disabledandproud #fightforourrights #equalrights #runner #run #iloverunning #athlete #triathlete #swim #bike #runnersofinstagram

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