The Role of Advocacy

What is a real advocate? Well it is actually defined many different ways. Webster defines "advocacy" as the act of pleading, supporting or recommending. Wikipedia has a much longer definition that touches on influencing public policy and resource allocation for a certain cause.

As a patient advocate I often wear many hats. I meet people to educate them on what living life as an amputee is like. I try to ease some of the uncertainty and fear that someone may feel that is facing or going through an amputation. I try to be involved in community events that revolve around amputee awareness. I also try to help amputees get access to resources that may help them live a better quality of life.

As with anything else I feel it is the small things that count. Things like taking a patients wallet to them because they left it at our office, stopping by and having a cup of coffee with someone, helping someone out that has errands to run, calling up to say 'hello' because you were thinking of a person...These little things seem to be the things that people remember.

There is a fine line that is often walked when doing advocacy work. You do have to have some personal boundaries, because you do have your own separate life. Admittedly as someone who is an amputee 24-7 it can be hard not to intertwine work and personal life. Learning to say no or when not to offer and help is also key. You want people to learn how to help themselves. You also can get to a point where you are taken advantage of.

The number one thing I try to do, when it comes to being an advocate, is lead by example. I strongly feel the best way to encourage another is to show them what is possible. Each day I get up and walk out the door to face the world with a positive attitude I feel is the very best thing I can do for advocacy.

Even after all this time I still notice the looks on people's faces once in a while as I am approaching them. I get a few double takes when out in town or in the gym. I think it is great! I feel it is encouraging for people to see someone that is 'disabled' doing the best they can.

After all they say the most rewarding life is the one where we give it our all every single day.

Little Things Help Build Dreams - Ty