ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Wendy Ramirez’s right leg was amputated below the knee nearly 10 years ago, but that won’t stop her from rock climbing this Saturday.

Ramirez, whose right leg was amputated after a motor vehicle accident, will be participating in Saturday’s First Climb event, sponsored by the University of Michigan Orthotics and Prosthetics Center and the U-M Community Amputee Network, or U-CAN.

The event will take place at Planet Rock, 82 Aprill Drive, in Ann Arbor and will give those with amputations a chance to conquer the rock wall and connect with others who have physical disabilities.

“I’ve never been rock climbing before, so I’m excited to learn,” Ramirez says. “It’s also nice to connect with others who have similar challenges. We can compare things and discuss what we have in common, which really keeps this group connected. Doing group events like this really motivates you to go out and try new things.”

In addition to rock climbing, the event will also feature a picnic at Veterans Memorial Park, 2150 Jackson Ave., in Ann Arbor, later in the afternoon as well as an adaptive golf session.

Shauna Mote, the Limb Loss Support Coordinator for U-CAN and the First Climb organizer, said events like this are important not only for the physical benefits, but for the social and emotional ones as well.

“When you have limb loss, you’re visibly different than others,” she says. “This gives you a chance to interact with others who know what you’re going through, which is very important.”

Event Information
Time: First climb session, 9 a.m.-noon; Second climb session, 2-5 p.m. Picnic, adaptive golf session and other games with social interaction, Noon-4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, June 2
Location: Planet Rock, 82 Aprill Drive; Veterans Memorial Park, 2150 Jackson Ave.
Registration: Contact Shauna Mote at 734-975-7449 or shaunamo@med.umich.edu

Media are also invited to attend. Please contact Shauna Mote to RSVP.
 

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