You don’t need to spend very much time with 8 year old Zoe Gottwald to see she has a special spark about her. Being a left leg amputee due to an accident hasn’t stopped Zoe from living a full and active life. In fact, she can do everything everyone else can do, sometimes with the help of a special device.
Zoe and her family recently moved to Chestermere from Ontario, where she was involved in an accident at her grandparent’s home four years ago. “It only took a second,” said Zoe’s father, Marc Gottwald, remembering the day their lives changed forever.
On a beautiful day in May of 2010, just weeks after Zoe’s 4th birthday, her family was spending the day at Zoe’s grandparent’s acreage. A family friend had come by to mow the lawn that day and when the vivacious four year old saw him, not understanding the danger, she ran to greet him before anyone could stop her. Tragically, she slipped and her leg went underneath the ride-on lawn mower.
After dozens of surgeries, eventually doctors had no choice but to amputate the young girl’s leg but thanks to the Toronto’s rehabilitation hospital and Zoe’s fierce determination, months of recovery and therapy helped her to regain the strength and mobility she needed to walk again. Eventually she was even back to enjoying things that she loved before the accident.
Funding from the War Amps’ Child Amputee Program (CHAMP) allowed Zoe to be fitted with a prosthetic limb after the accident and recently, they even provided her with a waterproof swim leg. Zoe is a member of CHAMP Program and, as such, is eligible to receive financial assistance with artificial limbs.
Zoe’s parents say the swim leg is making a difference in her life, adding that it has allowed their daughter to keep up with other kids in the water. “She’s now faster and can more easily get in and out of the pool. We are so proud of Zoe’s positive attitude and how she doesn’t let anything stop her,” says Denise Roussel, Zoe’s mom.
Zoe explains that she appreciates her new artificial limb because she cannot swim with her everyday leg as it is made of material that can’t get wet. “My new leg helps me to swim, and then when I come out of the water, the holes in it let the water drain out.”
The courageous family loves life in Chestermere and looks forward to using the lake this summer. Although Zoe is excited for the new beach to open, she has even bigger plans for our small town. “One day I want Chestermere to get a hospital and a pool,” says Zoe, who adds, “And one day, I want to be the Mayor of Chestermere.”
The War Amps encourages Champs to develop a positive attitude towards their amputation, and live to their full potential. “Zoe’s determination and zest for life is an inspiration to all,” said Danita Chisholm, Executive Director, CHAMP Program. “With the public’s support of the Key Tag and Address Label Service, we are happy to help young amputees like Zoe obtain the tools they need to enjoy their favourite activities.” For more information visit www.waramps.ca.
