Amputation Awareness Month is back for the third time

In Poland, around 12,000 people lose a limb every year. Contrary to popular belief, this is not only due to accidents, but also to illnesses such as diabetes, atherosclerosis or cancer. For many people, amputation is just the beginning of the journey – the road to recovery is long, and the cost of prosthetics ranges from a few thousand to even several hundred thousand zlotys. At the same time, there are challenges that are less often discussed: loneliness, and emotional and social barriers. That is why, as the Poland Business Run Foundation, together with the Znowu w Biegu Rehabilitation Centre Foundation, we are organising Amputation Awareness Month for the third time – to speak openly about life after amputation and to support those who have to rebuild their lives.

Amputation Awareness Month is a nationwide social and educational initiative aimed at raising awareness about life after amputation, promoting modern rehabilitation, and establishing a practical support system for people who have lost a limb. At the heart of Orange April are people: their stories, their needs and their journey back to an active life. The aim of this Month is not only to educate and raise awareness, but also to provide practical support and break down the stereotypes that still surround the lives of people with disabilities.

This is the third edition of the initiative. This April will be filled with activities focused on education, inclusion, empowerment and strengthening the independence of people who have undergone amputations. Orange April also provides a space for conversation, sharing experiences, gaining knowledge and working together to improve quality of life.

The Orange April Plan

As part of this year’s edition, we have planned a series of events aimed at people who have undergone amputations, their friends and family, specialists, and anyone interested in rehabilitation:

• 10–12 April – (Warsaw) Amp Girl Power (Warsaw) – workshops for women who have undergone amputation
• 15 April – Amp Futbol (Kraków) – a sports and social integration event promoting physical activity, teamwork and the role of sport in the rehabilitation process
• 16–19 April – Base Camp (Niepołomice) – an intensive prosthetic walking camp dedicated to people who have undergone below-knee amputations, focusing on improving fitness, mobility techniques and building independence
• 22 April – psychological workshops (Kraków) – educational and practical sessions led by a psychologist for the families and support networks of people who have undergone amputation
• 26 April – Amp Walk (Kościeliska Valley) – an inclusive mountain hike demonstrating that outdoor activities are possible even after an amputation, and that movement can be a source of joy and motivation
• 29 April – educational webinar (Online) – an online session on osseointegration, a modern prosthetic method.

History of Amputation Awareness Month

The idea to organise Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in 2023 was brought back to Poland by Agnieszka Wnuk-Scardaccione, head of the physiotherapy team at the Znowu w Biegu Rehabilitation Centre Foundation, following a study visit to the USA. In the US, Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month has been observed since 2012, featuring educational sessions, conferences, group activities and discussions – all aimed at raising the profile of people who have undergone amputations.

Since 2024, we have been organising Amputation Awareness Month in Poland in partnership with the ‘Znowu w Biegu’ Rehabilitation Centre Foundation, because we want the topic of amputation to feature more prominently in public debate and social awareness.

– We launched Orange April because we kept seeing the same stories – a lack of information, plenty of stereotypes, and above all, people who are left to deal with it all on their own. When you are suddenly faced with an amputation, it is often a moment when everything falls apart. And it is very easy to think: I am the only one going through this. But that is not true. There are others who have been through it too, who also had moments of doubt, and today live active lives, in their own way. And that is exactly what we want to show: that it is possible to get back to life. And that you really don’t have to go through this alone, – says Agnieszka Pleti, president of the Poland Business Run Foundation.

Sharing knowledge

– For us, Orange April is more than just a calendar of events. It’s a time when we want to pause for a moment and say: look, all this is already working and could have an even wider impact. We want people to know they’re not alone – that they can access our materials, guides and webinars free of charge to help them find their feet in this new reality: from psychological support, through the care of wounds that are difficult to heal under a prosthesis, to the right diet following an amputation – explains Anna Orzechowska, chair of the Znowu w Biegu Rehabilitation Centre Foundation.

– This is also a good time to emphasise that support doesn’t end with rehabilitation. A whole system is needed – a psychologist, a dietitian, a career advisor – because returning to normal life is a process that affects many areas. Such a comprehensive approach should be the norm, not the exception. That is why we want to share our experience and help create similar places across Poland. If anyone wants to make use of this know-how – we are open to it – emphasises the president.

Anyone and any organisation can join Orange April. Detailed information, a schedule and downloadable graphics can be found at aktywizuj.pl.

Looking for support? You can apply at any time of the year

As part of Amputation Awareness Month, we would also like to remind you that applications are accepted throughout the year. People who have undergone amputations or mastectomies, or who have a physical disability, and who require financial assistance for items such as prosthetics, wheelchairs, medical equipment, rehabilitation or psychological support, are eligible to apply.

The process is simple – simply complete, sign and submit the online form available on the website under the ‘Beneficiaries’ tab. Each application is referred to a committee appointed by the Board, which assesses the applicant’s situation and directs support where it is most needed. Importantly, support is not provided according to a single formula – it is tailored individually to best meet real needs and help people return to an active life.

Honorary patrons: Prezes Państwowego Funduszu Rehabilitacji Osób Niepełnosprawnych, Prezes Polskiego Komitetu Paralimpijskiego, Ministra Zdrowia, Ministra Rodziny, Pracy i Polityki Społecznej, Marszałek Województwa Małopolskiego – Łukasz Smółka, Prezydent Miasta Krakowa – Aleksander Miszalski, Wojewoda Małopolski – Krzysztof Jan Klęczar.

Media partners: Medonet, Radio Kraków, Integracja, Niepełnosprawni.pl, TVP3 Kraków, TVP3 Warszawa, Puls Medycyny, Razem z Tobą, Kraków.pl, Lubię Kraków, Aktywizuj.pl, Kraków Pomaga.