04/13/2026
Limb Loss Awareness Month: Aaron’s Story
As a Senior Database Administrator at COM, Aaron is an important part of our campus community. Here, he shares his story of resilience, growth, and determination.
When I lost my right leg and sustained serious damage to my left leg in May of 2009, I didn’t know if I would ever walk again.
Over time, I adapted, learned how to walk again, and began rebuilding. I struggled with obesity, which became worse with the injuries.
But I never stopped trying.
I focused on what I could do instead of what I couldn’t. I stayed active as best I could, and over time I began to change my habits. That meant combining consistent movement, strength training, and cardio with better daily choices. I also found a lot of support and motivation through online communities and through working out and training with my son, which has changed both his life and mine. Today, we train together daily.
My family gave me a reason to keep going.
Over time, I lost more than 50 pounds and have maintained that loss for years, and my A1C is now in the normal range. At 57, I’m in the best shape of my life. I train regularly and try to make the most out of every day.
I’ve learned that progress isn’t all or nothing—it’s a series of choices, an accumulation of good decisions over time. Over time, I was able to change my baseline, and that’s what allowed me to change my life.
It’s my hope that my story can resonate with others who are facing challenges, no matter what they are.
