Kaleida's Elora Klassen loves to bake, to make crafts, to crochet and to ride her horse. She has overcome many challenges in her thirteen years of life.
"I was born with a complex clubfoot. When I was 10 years old, I started having stress fractures on the side of my foot because I couldn't walk on my heel. I had to walk on the middle of my foot and that caused a lot of pain. So, we talked to a few doctors, and they said, either I would need to do reconstruction surgery that would leave me with a very small foot or an amputation."
In a written statement, Klassen's mom, Debbie said, "As she grew her foot and ankle were the cause of much pain as the metatarsal bones in her left foot were experiencing stress fractures due to the angle of her foot and a fused ankle. It became clear that stress fractures would be a constant and continual issue. Her future looked like she would be wheelchair bound between fractures. It came down to a choice of pick your pain: the pain of constant fractures or the pain of amputation and the possibilities of complications that can accompany an amputation. At 11 years old, Elora made the tough but necessary decision to amputate her left foot."
Elora trusted the research her mom had done on amputations.
"My mom had talked to other people who had amputated their clubfoot, and they said they would have done it sooner if they could have. So, that is what we did on January 4th. I don't quite know why, but the closer we got to it, the less nervous I got. Which was good."
Debbie said following the amputation, Elora experiences little to no pain, calling it a miracle.
Two months before Elora's surgery, she and her parents purchased a special needs pony, Ranger.
Debbie described the difference the pony has made for Elora.
"The making of a special needs pony takes a special pony. "Ranger” is one such pony. It did not take much to get him used to a prosthetic leg. Elora would spend hours every day with “Ranger” and would spend all day on horseback if other things didn't get in the way… like crocheting toy ponies and donkeys, baking her fantastic chocolate chip raisin cookies, hunting, schoolwork… and yes chores."
With the help of the War Amps Child Amputee Program (CHAMP), prosthetic legs were provided to Elora. One training leg, one walking leg for everyday life and now she has a riding leg to help make her more comfortable and safer when riding Ranger.”
Elora said both of them learned a lot from each other.
"He taught me a lot and we both have taught each other a lot in the last few years. It was quite a learning experience with the right horse."
She admits, she still is working on some things.
"I'm still working on relaxing. Only one person is allowed to have a bad day and that can't be you. I'm still working on that, but I'm getting there."
Debbie would like to thank CHAMP and others who have been on Elora's healing journey.
"Dr James McCammon is her orthopedic surgeon, he did a fantastic job. He worked with the SSCY Center and Winnipeg Prosthetics and Orthotics in aftercare follow-up visits. Monique De Beer, Elora’s physiotherapist from the SSCY Center, must also be mentioned as she helped Elora learn how to walk again and so much more! Marc Pepin from Winnipeg Prosthetics and Orthotics, has been her main prosthetist who is willing to try new ideas, think outside the box, trouble shoot and make each appointment interesting! Elora is fortunate to have all these specialists who have given exceptional support. Robert Elliot Trust Fund, we thank you for choosing Elora Klassen as the recipient for expenses toward her riding leg. There are no words to truly express just how thankful we are for the freedom this gives Elora!"
And to a special friend who continues to support Elora's healing.
"Her riding Instructor, Julie Smith, through all of this has been one of Elora's best supporters, encouragers, and continues to challenge Elora to do her best. Riding her pony is one of the best physiotherapies, as it takes her whole being and every muscle to focus."
Elora is grateful for the support she received from CHAMP.
"If it wasn't for the War Amps, I probably wouldn't have all these legs that would help me do things that I like doing every day. It makes things easier the riding leg allows me to ride longer without having as much pain. I just want to say to the War Amps, thank you for providing these legs so I can do what I like every day."
"The Association encourages Champs to develop a positive attitude towards their amputation and try any activity they set their minds to. “Elora’s determination and zest for life is an inspiration to all around her,” says Danita Chisholm, Executive Director, CHAMP Program. “Thanks to the public’s support of The War Amps Key Tag Service, we are able to help young amputees reach their goals.”
The War Amps receives no government grants; its programs are made possible through public support of the Key Tag Service.
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