As an Amputee Peer Visitor, Ms. Borth has done speaking engagements concerning various subjects related to being an amputee. She was a guest speaker at the Texas Association of Orthotists and Prosthetists in 2004 and the Brackenridge Trauma Conference in 2003, where she gave an address entitled, “Traumatic Amputation: A Personal Perspective”. Frieda is enthusiastic about reaching out to amputees and supporting them in every possible way. Frieda is always available to peer visit amputees as soon as a Doctor, Nurse, Physical Therapist, Social Worker or Case Manager requests her services.
The Round Rock Amputee Support Group that was founded in September of 2003. Frieda wanted to be able to offer amputees in Round Rock and the surrounding areas the opportunity to benefit from a local support group. Ms. Borth serves as the coordinator of group and oversees the activities and meetings monthly, with feedback and input from the group members. Their mission statement is “To Reach out to people with limb loss, and their families and friends, and to empower them through education, support and advocacy.”
The support group has an activity planned each month and also has a meeting on the fourth Thursday of every month. In the previous yeasr, the support group has participated in many different activities and outings such as fishing, bowling, train ride, playing pool, picnics, Round Rock Express baseball games, golf clinics, and potluck suppers. Meetings have included speakers from many disciplines including a social worker, a chiropractor,Prosthetists, accupuncturist, and a physical therapist. They also have technology nights where different Prosthetists and Prosthetic Respresentatives display the latest in prosthetic technology and answer questions any of the members may have. The group is available to all amputees as well as friends and families of amputees.
The Round Rock Amputee Support Group has eight ACA certified amputee peer visitors certified through the Amputee Coalition of America. The peer visitors are organizing to reach out to new amputees in the local area. They want to give them a “jump start” in becoming the best they can be and assisting them with the challenges they will face as new amputees. The support group is very proud of their peer-visiting program and has the utmost confidence that they can continue to serve amputees in the most positive and supportive way possible.
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