Mayor signs proclamation proclaiming April as Loss of Limb Awareness Month

By Annie Rigby

Loris Mayor Todd Harrelson holds dear and near to his heart the fact that through illness or an accident the loss of a limb is a major event in one’s life. Harrelson lost his lower right leg in a tragic work-related accident on August 14, 2013, and endured several surgeries and a lengthy hospital stay.

Harrelson has been an example of the Biblical parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself.”

Harrelson visits with victims who have lost a limb either in their hospital room or at home to provide encouragement and the “you can do it” lessons he has learned through the loss of his lower right leg. He was alone working when the accident occurred, his cell phone was in his truck, and he crawled to get his phone to make the 911 call for help. During that time he was unsure of his survival as the main artery of his leg was severed. He stated it is only the Glory of God that he survived and is grateful for the opportunity to continue with his life spreading the word of Jesus and encouraging others to stand tall and accept the challenges with learning to use a prosthetic to live a normal life.

Harrelson has four prosthetics. The first is a carbon fiber rush prosthetic, the Gamecocks leg, a black shiny carbon fiber rush leg and his favorite one is his Jesus leg. At one council meeting where he was mayor pro tem he took his leg off and set it beside him on the table, when it was said in a joking manner, “Are you putting your foot down?” The Carbon Fiber Rush prosthetic is designed to allow for super smooth transition from heel strike through toe-off. It allows the person to make adjustments for smoother walking or running. Harrelson’s prosthetic does not prevent him from dancing, running a bit and he does not consider himself handicapped. He’s a survivor who has accepted the challenge he faced learning to move about with a prosthetic six years ago. He has stated that he lives through the word of God and spreads the message of His divine love for each and every one, our brothers and our sisters in Christ. If asked, Harrelson will pray with a friend, sometimes when not asked he will offer a prayer for any one he meets who seems to be struggling.

The proclamation states there are approximately two million Americans with limb loss and limb difference, and over 500 Americans lose a limb every day. Diabetes and vascular disease are the leading cause of limb loss followed closely by trauma, but studies show that up to 60 percent of limb loss could be preventable. Approximately 1,000 children are born each year in the United States with congenital limb difference, and 600 children lose a limb to a lawn mower accident every summer. Access to appropriate prosthetic care for people living with limb loss is vital to enable individuals to reach their full potential, live independently and live well; and the Amputee Coalition provides education, outreach, support and advocacy through the National Limb Loss Resource Center for the benefit of persons with limb loss or limb difference, their family and health care providers throughout the United States. “I, Todd Harrelson, Mayor of Loris, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2020 as Limb Loss Awareness Month throughout the city.”