NEWS

New Mexico’s Second Annual Mobility Day: A Celebration of Movement, Access, and Freedom

By Kyle Stepp

On Saturday, October 25th, more than 100 participants, volunteers, and partners came together in Albuquerque for the Second Annual So Every BODY Can Move (SEBCM): New Mexico Mobility Day—a day that proved movement is not a privilege, it’s a right.

Made possible through the support of The Salomon Foundation and On’s social impact program, Right to Run, this event is part of SEBCM’s growing national Mobility Day programming, expanding across the country in states that have successfully enacted SEBCM legislation. Each Mobility Day brings together individuals with limb loss and limb difference alongside their clinicians, manufacturer partners, and community partners to celebrate access, movement, and community through inclusive and movement-centered programming.

Hosted in partnership with local clinics, hospitals, and community organizations, New Mexico Mobility Day offered a full day of engaging and adaptive activities designed for individuals with limb loss and limb difference to experience the freedom and joy of movement—on their own terms. Participants tried everything from running and walking with blades to yoga, swimming, cross-training, and even pickleball.

Empowering Access Through Legislation

This year’s event marked a milestone moment for the disability community in New Mexico. Thanks to House Bill 131 (2023), prosthetic and orthotic care for physical activity, recreation, and wellbeing is now recognized as medically necessary—ensuring access to the devices people need to move freely and live fully.

Once again, many attendees experienced the tangible impact of this legislation. People were fitted for and tried running blades, and all-around activity prostheses—devices that were once out of reach for most New Mexicans. Local prosthetists were onsite providing fittings, adjustments, and education about how to access coverage.

Participants and clinicians shared stories of how this law has already changed lives across the state. Julie, Nick, Memphis, Asher, and many others talked about finally getting access to activity-specific prosthetic devices because of SEBCM legislation. For years, many had gone without physical activity because they couldn’t afford these devices or were burdened by high out-of-pocket costs. Now, with coverage in place, they’re returning to the sports, hobbies, and daily movement that once felt out of reach.

Julie shared how gaining coverage meant “getting a piece of my life back.”
Nick spoke about returning to the trails he thought he’d never hike again.
Memphis and Asher, both young athletes, rediscovered the pure joy of running.

These personal stories grounded the event’s celebration in something bigger than sport—they reflected what systemic change can deliver: dignity, confidence, and belonging.

A Coalition of Care

This unforgettable day was made possible by the incredible clinics and clinicians who came together from across the state to serve the community. Hanger Clinic, Carrie Tingley Children’s Hospital, the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center, and Integrity Orthotics & Prosthetics all played key roles in bringing equipment, expertise, and heart to the event. They were joined by physical therapists and physiatrists from Albuquerque, who volunteered their time to help participants safely test new devices, improve gait, and rediscover movement.

This statewide collaboration demonstrated what’s possible when medical professionals unite around access, equity, and the belief that every person deserves the right to move.

Moments That Moved Us

Throughout the day, stories unfolded that reminded everyone why SEBCM exists.

Vanessa, who lost her limb 17 years ago, ran for the first time since her amputation. “I can’t stop thinking about all the opportunities I missed not having access to this sooner,” she said, tears and laughter blending in equal measure.
Jeff, a Medicare patient, tried a new running foot and couldn’t stop grinning: “Running on this foot is just SO FUN.”
Kristin, joined by her mom and grandmother, simply said, “I feel free.”
Alejandro, an EMT on duty, stopped by between calls to trial a running blade—a spontaneous moment of pure curiosity and possibility that captured the spirit of the day. In the coming months, Alejandro will receive a new prosthetic leg covered through SEBCM legislation, enabling him to continue his work as a first responder with the comfort, mobility, and safety he deserves.

A Community in Motion

The day brought together a powerful mix of innovation and inclusion. Attendees had the chance to trial devices from Össur, Blatchford, Fillauer, Hopper, and Koalaa, showcasing the latest in prosthetic technology. Clinicians from across New Mexico collaborated to ensure every participant had the support and safety to try something new.

State Representative Marianna Anaya, a longtime supporter of SEBCM who championed the movement as an advocate before taking office, joined State Rep. Kathleen Cates, the legislative sponsor of HB 131, to celebrate how policy can directly transform lives. Rep. Cates also announced her upcoming 2026 bill to expand coverage for sports wheelchairs, building on the momentum SEBCM has created across the state.

The Movement Continues

Mobility Day is more than an event—it’s part of a growing movement. New Mexico was one of the first states in the nation to pass So Every BODY Can Move legislation, helping inspire similar bills across the country. Events like this ensure that every individual with limb loss or limb difference not only knows their rights but also feels what access truly means.

Together, we’re building a future where every body can move, thrive, and belong.

Thank You to Our Partners

Local Mobility Day Supporters

Champion Sponsor: Presbyterian Health Plan

+ BeWell New Mexico, Hanger Clinic, Carrie Tingley Children’s Hospital O&P Department, Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center, Integrity Orthotics & Prosthetics, Highland High School Football, Dion’s, BodyLanguage, Trifecta Coffee, and SAHQ.

National Mobility Day Partners: The Salomon Foundation and On’s social impact program, Right to Run

SEBCM Vision Council and Steering Committee

Brain Robotics, Bionic P&O, Cascade, Click Medical, Hanger Clinic + Amputee Coalition, American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association, American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, and the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics

Because of you, our movement continues to lead the nation in showing what’s possible when access meets action—and when every BODY can move.

Next Up: SEBCM Mid-Atlantic Mobility Day

The movement continues this winter with SEBCM’s next Mobility Day event:

📍 Location: University of Maryland, College Park – Ritchie Coliseum
📅 Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
🕗 Time: 8:00 AM
📫 Address: 7675 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20742

Join us in the Mid-Atlantic region as we bring the same energy, collaboration, and community to the East Coast—empowering every body to move.

Watch the News Recap

Relive the energy, stories, and smiles from New Mexico’s Mobility Day through this special video feature:
🎥 Watch the recap on YouTube