jamie's story

• Age: 34
• Canadian Forces Sergeant
• Stepped on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, losing his left leg
• Inpatient from June to July 2010; outpatient from September 2010 to May 2011

I wanted to participate and raise money for the hospital that has now helped me."

Jamie believes in self-sacrifice and helping others. He's done two tours of duty in Bosnia, and two more in Afghanistan. Two years ago, he ran a five-kilometre race as part of a Canadian Forces team to raise funds for St. John's Rehab Hospital. We have rebuilt the lives of soldiers returning from Afghanistan, including his friend Jody, who lost both legs due to a landmine and was courageously running the 5K. At the time, Jamie had no clue that he would one day be a patient.

While stationed at a checkpoint in Afghanistan in June 2010, Jamie stepped on an improvised explosive device. The impact immediately took his left leg. The damage led to multiple surgeries and fights with infection.

Having been in the military for more than a decade, Jamie was used to pushing himself physically and mentally. After his injury, he had a new challenge – intense, specialized rehab at St. John's Rehab to learn to walk with a prosthetic leg. Now, he runs.

For most survivors of amputations, learning to walk is a major accomplishment. But it wasn't enough for Jamie. He followed it with two months of training to run so that he could once again support the hospital that is helping him get back on his feet. The hard work paid off. On a blustery March day, he once again ran the 5K, but this time on a prosthetic running leg. And this time, the tables were turned as Jody and other members of the Canadian Forces ran to support Jamie.

His amazing accomplishment was heightened by personally raising $15,000 to purchase treatment equipment and support our staff in providing leading care to all of our patients. In the process, Jamie showed us what heroism is all about.