Man Finds Purpose in Creating Prosthetics and Connecting with Others After Limb Loss

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Losing a limb can cast a shadow over even the most vibrant personalities. However, Keith Walton, who uses a prosthetic leg after his amputation, has channeled his experience into a powerful message: if he can overcome limb loss, so can others.

Before his amputation, Walton lived with the challenges of clubfoot, a congenital condition that caused his foot to turn inward and downward. Despite the difficulties of his situation, he followed in his father’s footsteps as a postal carrier. But everything changed in December 2022 when he faced a serious health issue.

Walton developed ankle effusion, a condition marked by the accumulation of fluid in the ankle joint. After undergoing surgery, he and his healthcare team believed his foot was on the mend. Unfortunately, the procedure impaired blood flow to his foot.

On December 15, Walton made the difficult decision to have his leg amputated just above the knee.

After receiving his prosthetic leg on January 31, 2023, he was eager to return to his postal route, partly because he wanted to inspire his children, but also because the job meant a lot to him. By March 4, Walton was back delivering mail in Weld County, Colorado.

On some days, Walton felt like just another worker, delivering mail on an insignificant day. But he came to understand that his presence might have a meaningful impact on someone’s day through a warm smile or a brief chat. He built connections with people, many of whom often felt lonely.

He told the Greeley Tribune that he had the sense that people were lonely. So, he made it a point to acknowledge them.

Now, he applies that same mindset to assist those dealing with limb loss in his new role at the Hanger Clinic: Prosthetics and Orthotics in Greeley, Colorado. As a clinical assistant, he channels his life’s ups and downs into helping others achieve a better quality of life.

In this role, Walton draws from his father’s words: the essence of living is about supporting one another, so it’s important to lend a helping hand.

From letters to limbs  

Individuals recovering from limb loss often grapple with various emotions such as grief, trauma, anxiety, and depression. For Walton, the period between his amputation and receiving a prosthetic leg was filled with despair. He shared that without a solid support network, he doubts that he would have made it through.

Walton credits his recovery to his wife and children, particularly his 12-year-old son, who took on the role of caretaker for a few weeks. His recovery team at Hanger Clinic also played a crucial role, providing the right amount of accountability and encouragement as he worked toward healing.

Walton also said that he was fortunate to have someone he could contact and reach out to during his recovery. That someone was James McCreery from Eaton. McCreery and his wife, Tammy, launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for Walton’s prosthetic leg, which can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000.

Because of the type of support he received, Walton was determined to support others facing limb loss. A pivotal conversation with a patient who was about to undergo amputation set him on his path. And the Hanger Clinic recognized the value of having someone with personal experience, making Walton a perfect match for that role.

In the summer of 2023, the clinic established a clinical assistant position for Walton. His responsibilities involve not only engaging with patients but also participating in the design and creation of prosthetics, as well as creating custom fittings.

Walton builds meaningful connections with his lifelong patients, whether they are at the beginning of their journey or adjusting to life after amputation. He shares his experiences, answers their questions, and strives to understand their problems.  

In his role, Walton encountered a veteran amputee who never had the opportunity to talk to someone else who had experienced limb loss. He then realized that many patients lacked awareness about the amputation process and the recovery journey, which often led to decreased motivation to heal. To combat this, Walton gives his phone number to all his patients, ensuring they have access to the same support system he was fortunate to have while recovering.

Stepping into a fresh perspective  

Walton often reassures his patients who have recently undergone limb loss or are considering the procedure by saying, “This isn’t the end of your journey.” He tells them that the person they were before amputation can emerge even stronger because that’s what they’ll require in the future. He also reminds them that there’s always a new day ahead.

While his new role allows him to guide those navigating amputation, Walton doesn’t press anyone to choose amputation. His main goal is to share his own experience and how it positively impacted his life. Without the constant pain he once felt and no longer needing a chiropractor, he found renewed freedom.

Related reading: Saying Goodbye to His Leg Gave This Man A New Lease on Life

Once Walton was fitted with his prosthetic leg, his quality of life improved dramatically. He was able to do activities he thought were behind him, like enjoying a day at the water park with his kids. He noticed that his life improved significantly following the amputation.

This is why Walton enjoys creating prosthetics for his patients. They have the option to personalize their new leg with designs that resonate with them. He said this is the enjoyable aspect of the job; it’s about helping others reclaim their independence.

Related reading: Combining Art and Science: Inside a Prosthetist’s Workshop

Where he belongs  

Walton looks forward to acquiring his fitter certification, which will allow him to expand his role in the prosthetics and orthotics field. As a certified fitter, he would be called to emergency rooms to assist injured patients in getting fitted for essential equipment, like back braces.

Although seeing hope can be tough at times, Walton recognizes the impact he’s making in other people’s lives at the Hanger Clinic. In his new role, he feels he has found his place.