Erica lives in Banks, works in the sportswear industry, and is a proud wife and mom to two young daughters. Growing up in Oregon, Erica played traditional team sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball, but eventually gravitated towards trail running. It was running that would eventually become “her freedom” and one she used to help balance stress with school and life. After graduating from the University of Oregon, she was involved in a devastating motorcycle accident that resulted in the amputation of her right leg. While still in the hospital, she was told she would never be able to run again – but not because of her disability – because her health insurance would never cover a prosthesis for running. She’s now dedicated to bringing legislative change to Oregon to fix this injustice. She shared, “I don’t want another amputee, especially someone who so actively asked for the ability to run again, to be limited to a ‘No’ from insurance, from doctors, or from prosthetic providers. I got involved because I want barrier-free access to movement for all.”

Charlotte lives in Portland, is 12 years old, and loves to play team sports like ultimate frisbee and basketball. She also enjoys lots of outdoor activities the Pacific Northwest has to offer. She was born with Fibular Hemimelia and had her leg amputated when she was a year old. Access to affordable prosthetic care is super important to her as she gets older to continue to be active, competitive, and participate in sports.

Dee is a special education teacher and calls beautiful Portland, OR home. While biking to work in Chicago in 2016, she was struck by a semi-truck driver resulting in countless injuries including the amputation of her right leg below the knee. Growing up as a competitive dancer, Dee was determined to get back to all of the sports she loved after her amputation but was shocked to learn how little insurance covered. She shared, “I became an amputee as an adult and didn’t realize insurance would not cover activity prosthetics that would allow me to go back to all the activities I did before my accident.” She is now thriving thanks to having multiple prostheses including one for running and one for biking. She’s on a mission to ensure every Oregonian has this same level of access.

Taylor is a community care coordinator with Hanger Clinic and is proud to call Portland, OR home. In her role with Hanger, she helps individuals with limb loss transition to life post-amputation. Taylor was born with fibular hemimelia, a congenital birth defect, and her parents opted for amputation at a young age. Growing up in Alaska, Taylor was born into a highly active family; she dances, skis, runs, swims, and enjoys a multitude of adventures in the PNW. Thanks to Shriners Children’s Hospital, she always had access to the prosthetic care she needed growing up. However, now that she has “aged out” as an adult, Taylor has realized first hand the barriers the limb loss community faces in fair access to prosthetic care, especially for physical activity. She’s excited to be part of the team to make a change for Oregonians!

SaraMae is a lifelong athlete, fitness and wellness professional, nonprofit founder, advocate and speaker. In 2012, she nearly lost her life to an infection, ultimately having both of her legs amputated below the knees. Health and fitness have been her life’s work both with and without her legs, and the only limitation to movement she has faced has been access to physical activity prosthetics. SaraMae shared, “It is vital that insurance deems physical activity prosthetics and orthotics medically necessary. We already have an uphill battle; we are simply asking for the tools to climb.” She’s now helping to spearhead advocacy efforts for So Every BODY Can Move in Oregon.

Ty lives in Portland and is a congenital amputee who spends most of his days making music! As an opera singer, physical activity also matters on the stage. Without access to fair and affordable prosthetic care, the ability for this freedom of movement becomes incredibly limited, which makes it even more challenging to be hired for roles. It is paramount that all Oregonians have an equitable stage to shine on.

Shaholly lives in Portland and is a print and runway model. Despite being a congenital amputee, Shaholly’s indomitable spirit and determination have propelled her towards remarkable success in her career. She exudes confidence and grace on the runway, inspiring others to embrace their differences. In addition to her modeling career, Shaholly serves as an ambassador for Global Disability Inclusion, advocating for equal opportunities and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities, including equitable access to prosthetic care. As a “Shriner’s kid,” she received free prosthetic care from the generous hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children, until turning 18. After facing denial of insurance coverage for her own prosthesis from three different insurance companies over three years, it was only through her marriage to a military service member that she finally obtained a prosthesis. She’s now dedicated to ensuring access to all Oregonians through So Every BODY Can Move!