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WAYS WE HELP

The War Amps provides amputees with financial assistance for artificial limbs and information resources that address all aspects of amputation.

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Child Amputees

The Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program offers comprehensive services to child amputees and their families, including financial assistance, regional seminars and peer support.

CHAMP serves children in Canada (under 18) who are born without a limb or have lost a limb due to an accident or medical causes. Children who have multiple amputations may also qualify for enrolment in JUMPSTART.

Abel was born without the lower part of his left arm. His artificial limbs and devices, funded by The War Amps, allow him to do everyday tasks as well as play his favourite sports like basketball.

CHAMP Stories

To enrol in the CHAMP Program

Please complete the enrolment form.
Online | Download PDF

For more information, please contact us.
1 800 267-4023
1 866 235-0350
champ@waramps.ca

Financial Assistance

A young female leg amputee plays at a park's splash pad.

Thanks to the public’s support of the Key Tag and Address Label Service, CHAMP provides financial assistance to child amputees and their families.

Standard Artificial Limbs

The cost of an artificial limb is a heavy financial burden for most families, especially considering that child amputees outgrow their limbs as regularly as they outgrow clothing. CHAMP assists with the costs of standard or “everyday” artificial limbs, as well as ongoing adjustments and repairs, by paying the portion not covered by provincial/private medical plans or group insurance.

Provincial government coverage for standard artificial limbs varies greatly across the country.

Recreational Limbs and Devices

CHAMP considers recreational limbs and devices to be a necessity for child amputees so they can keep active and take part in activities with their friends and families. The program covers 100 per cent of the cost of recreational limbs and devices, such as those designed for swimming, biking or playing a musical instrument.

No assistance is available through any of the provincial government medical plans for the provision of recreational limbs.

“Our son [a leg amputee] struggled with his balance when swimming and so was dependent on water wings. Since he has gotten his water leg, he can explore and play in the water like any other child his age. He has begun to swim on his own! That leg changed so much for him.” CHAMP parents Robyn and Logan

Travel to Prosthetic Clinics

Canada is fortunate to have prosthetic and rehabilitation clinics from coast-to-coast to serve amputees. However, many child amputees and their families do not live near one of these clinics. Travel to and from prosthetic clinics can be costly, and multiple appointments to fit an artificial limb may be required over the course of several days. CHAMP provides financial assistance towards travel costs to and from prosthetic clinics for its members.

War Amps Bursaries

CHAMP members between the ages of 18 and 24 are eligible to receive bursaries for the pursuit of post-secondary education. These bursaries lessen the financial burden on young amputees, allowing them to focus on their studies and build the skills they need for their careers and lives ahead.

Regional Seminars

Two young girls, both arm amputees, play inside a white foam structure.

Regional CHAMP seminars provide young amputees and their parents an opportunity to learn about amputation, access valuable resources, share advice and see new developments in artificial limbs.

Seminars have a life-changing effect on child amputees (and their parents), as they meet other kids “just like me,” learn to accept their amputations and develop a positive outlook on their futures.

A wide range of sessions is offered:

  • Sessions where amputees exchange practical advice and personal insight into challenges they face, such as staring, teasing and questions about their amputation
  • Sessions just for teens to address topics like learning to drive, body image and applying for jobs
  • Sessions devoted to helping parents with the unique challenges of raising a child amputee
“My son was diagnosed with cancer last year and has undergone a leg amputation. Our first CHAMP Seminar was incredible. It dealt with issues such as body image and how to handle everything from stares to changing schools. Those who have been in the program for years are now leading groups to help others. The War Amps supports child amputees in all stages of their development.”CHAMP mom Melinda

Peer Support

Two young girls, one an arm amputee and the other a leg amputee, join their hands together to create the shape of a heart.

Peer support is crucial to fostering the positive attitude young amputees require to overcome challenges. CHAMP provides a network of support to child amputees and their families.

CHAMP Events

In addition to regional seminars, we also offer other opportunities for connection through our (Re)Connect events and virtual sessions.

(Re)Connect events are small, in-person luncheons that bring together local Champs and their families for an afternoon of fun. Our virtual sessions offer connection with Champs from across the country, allowing them to discuss topics that matter to amputees, such as starting school, tips and tricks for specific amputation types, and more.

Matching CHAMP Families

New parents receive tremendous benefit from speaking with a family who has “been there.” It can be a huge relief for them to hear that as their child grows up, they will be able to participate in activities with their friends, learn to drive, pursue their career goals and lead an independent life. By sharing common concerns and exchanging information, families get a positive glimpse into the future.

CHAMP parents volunteer to participate and are not professional counsellors. Their role is that of a parent of a Champ who knows the importance of a match and who can offer support and share experiences.

To request a match with a CHAMP family, contact CHAMP.

Junior Counsellors

Junior Counsellors are older members of the CHAMP Program who offer support for child amputees and parents, providing practical advice and personal insight into growing up with an amputation. They are natural role models who carry on The War Amps legacy of “amputees helping amputees.”

Three young male amputees sit and crouch together around an ottoman in a hotel.

JUMPSTART

Through JUMPSTART, children with multiple amputations receive funding for computers and assistive devices.

Computers level the playing field for multiple amputees from a very early age, allowing them to do tasks like writing, homework and creating artwork.

Lightweight computers and tablets are easily transported and prevent the need to carry heavy books. Technology such as voice recognition software helps with notes and reports. Courses and assignments, including group work, can be done online.

Through accessible computer technology funded by JUMPSTART, career doors are opened to multiple amputees, putting them on the road to lifelong independence.

“Thank you so much for your funding of my laptop through the JUMPSTART Program. I am very grateful for everything The War Amps has helped me with. I'm not sure where I would be without you! I plan on using my laptop at university for my school work and to load my textbooks onto it. I hope to one day be able to give back to your organization.”Justin

Living With Amputation

Our information for children and parents covers the many stages of childhood and the teen years.

More information related to all aspects of amputation can be found under Living With Amputation.

Parenting the Child Amputee

Parenting the Child Amputee covers many of the concerns and experiences parents encounter in raising a child who has an amputation – from infancy and first visits to the prosthetist to entering school, the teen years and beyond. This resource booklet is equally helpful to parents of new amputees and to those who are facing new challenges as their child grows up. The booklet also covers topics like family dynamics and responding to questions. The content is based on the work of our Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program.

Parenting the Child Amputee

If you are interested in receiving a copy of the Parenting the Child Amputee booklet, please contact us.
1 800 267-4023, 613 731-3821
champ@waramps.ca

Advocacy

Advocacy can help child amputees and their parents learn their rights and access important financial and health-care entitlements. We can also assist in areas such as government benefits, employment, driving, sports and activities, insurance and legal issues.

If you or your child has been treated differently because of an amputation and it has caused harm or prevented access to services, The War Amps can help. We encourage all those who have encountered issues to contact us.

1 800 267-4023
champ@waramps.ca

Leave a Lasting Legacy for Amputees

A young female arm amputee smiles and stands in front of a field of flowers.
A young female arm amputee smiles and stands in front of a field of flowers.

You can help amputees with a charitable estate donation in your will. Your gift will provide child amputees with artificial limbs, valuable peer support and so much more.

Learn more about charitable estate donations 

“My uncle was a very special man with a generous heart, and he couldn’t think of a worthier cause than helping child amputees. He knew The War Amps would use this money well to bring smiles to children’s faces and make their challenges easier.”Family friend
“My uncle was a very special man with a generous heart, and he couldn’t think of a worthier cause than helping child amputees. He knew The War Amps would use this money well to bring smiles to children’s faces and make their challenges easier.”Family friend