By Lawrence Seiler
Reporter, Bronx Post / Abled and On Air

Three years ago, I stood beside my wife during one of the most terrifying moments of our lives. She was facing gangrene and septic shock, and I nearly lost the love of my life.

There are moments when fear can freeze you. But in a medical crisis, time matters. Questions matter. Clear communication matters. Advocacy matters.

As a journalist and advocate, I am used to asking questions. But nothing prepared me for the emotional weight of asking urgent medical questions on behalf of my wife. I had to learn quickly how to speak with surgeons, understand medical options, ask for explanations, follow up on treatment decisions, and support her through recovery and physical therapy.

That experience changed me.

It taught me that patients and families should not have to navigate complex medical systems alone, especially when a limb — or a life — may be at risk. It also taught me that fear is normal, but silence can be dangerous.

Limb loss affects millions of Americans. The Amputee Coalition has reported that more than 5.6 million people in the United States are living with limb loss or limb difference, including approximately 2.3 million people living with limb loss. Behind every number is a family, a caregiver, a survivor, and a story.

For vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, seniors, low-income residents, and those who may struggle to access specialized care, the need for guidance is even greater. When someone is dealing with Peripheral Artery Disease, Critical Limb Ischemia, gangrene, or possible amputation, they need more than sympathy. They need information, support, referrals, and people who know how to help them ask the right questions before it is too late.

That is why I want to share a resource that helped us: the Global PAD Association, formerly known as Way to My Heart.
The organization provides education, patient advocacy, and support for people affected by Peripheral Artery Disease and limb-threatening conditions. Their work helps patients and families understand how to speak with medical teams, seek specialized care, and advocate for limb preservation when appropriate.

This kind of support is not a replacement for doctors, surgeons, emergency care, or professional medical treatment. But it can help families become better prepared, better informed, and less alone when facing frightening medical decisions.

If you or someone you love is facing concerns related to limb preservation, Peripheral Artery Disease, Critical Limb Ischemia, or possible amputation, please ask for help early. Do not wait until the situation becomes desperate.

You can reach the Global PAD Association through:
Website: www.globalpadassociation.org⁠�
Former site: www.waytomyheart.org⁠�
Phone: 1-833-PAD-LEGS

My wife became stronger because we faced the crisis together, asked questions, and found the right support. But I know many families do not know where to turn. That is why I am sharing our story.

It is okay to be scared. It is okay to feel overwhelmed. It is okay not to know what questions to ask at first.

But it is vital to speak up.

Ask for help. Ask for a second opinion when needed. Ask doctors to explain your options clearly. Ask what can be done to preserve life, health, dignity, and mobility. And when you need support beyond the hospital room, reach out to organizations that exist to guide patients and families through these difficult moments.

In the Bronx and beyond, medical advocacy can save lives. Sometimes, it can also save limbs.

I adjusted the statistics to the broader, more current Amputee Coalition figures: more than 5.6 million Americans live with limb loss or limb difference, including about 2.3 million with limb loss. The Global PAD Association/Way to My Heart describes its work as free personalized education, advocacy, and real-time support for PAD patients.