New Mexico

SEBCM Impact: Danielle Cummings’ Journey to Mobility and Thriving as an Athlete

By Kyle Stepp

Danielle Cummings’ story is one of resilience, advocacy, and triumph. Born and raised in the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado, Danielle grew up immersed in outdoor adventures, from hiking and biking in the summers to skiing and snowshoeing in the winters. These early experiences in the mountains cultivated grit and determination that would later define her journey through unimaginable challenges.

In 2017, Danielle’s life took a drastic turn when a 20-foot rock climbing fall shattered her talus and caused severe damage to her ankle. Initially told she would never run again, Danielle found solace and strength in biking and swimming, eventually competing in aquabike races and scaling 5,600 feet up Mount Lemmon just months into her cycling journey. Yet, despite her determination to stay active, the chronic pain and loss of mobility in her ankle persisted, ultimately leading her to an unthinkable decision: elective amputation.

Danielle’s choice for a left below-knee amputation in July 2023 wasn’t just about alleviating pain; it was about reclaiming her ability to live the active, outdoor lifestyle she loved. As a medical student, Danielle faced skepticism from doctors who doubted her ability to continue her rigorous studies while undergoing amputation and recovery. But Danielle proved them wrong, returning to school six weeks post-surgery and excelling in her studies, all while relearning how to walk, undergoing regular prosthetic appointments, and beginning her journey back to competitive sports.

Thanks to the groundbreaking “So Every BODY Can Move” legislation passed in New Mexico, Danielle’s recovery and athletic pursuits have been fully supported. Before the legislation, insurance would have only covered a single daily-use prosthetic device, severely limiting her ability to participate in sports and outdoor activities. But under the new law, Danielle has access to all the prosthetics she needs to thrive as an athlete: a daily walking leg, a running prosthesis, a cycling prosthesis, and even a specialized ski foot. These devices have enabled her to reclaim her active lifestyle and achieve milestones that once seemed impossible.

Danielle’s advocacy journey began before her amputation. As an orthotic user dealing with chronic pain, she became involved in supporting SEBCM legislation in New Mexico. Little did she know that her work would later directly benefit her own life as an amputee. Today, Danielle stands as a testament to the power of equitable healthcare policies and the life-changing impact of the SEBCM movement. In January 2024, after New Mexico’s bill went into effect, she became the first amputee in New Mexico to receive a running blade through insurance—a symbol of how systemic change can open doors to possibility.

Now in her third year of medical school, Danielle uses her personal journey to connect with patients and inspire others with disabilities to pursue their dreams. Her mission as a future physician is clear: to empower patients to make medical decisions based on their own values and goals, not the limitations or fears of others. Alongside her medical aspirations, Danielle dreams of competing in para-triathlon and is a Paralympic hopeful for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Danielle’s story encapsulates the spirit of “So Every BODY Can Move”—a movement that ensures movement is a right and not a privilege. Her resilience, advocacy, and accomplishments remind us why equitable access to prosthetics and orthotics is not just a policy goal but a necessity for transforming lives.