Introducing LDC: What we're here to do

Thank you to those in the community who have reached out to us with both support and curiosity regarding our new organization!

In light of the recent questions posed by members of the community and in an effort to limit misinformation from being spread, we want to offer some clarity about the Limb Difference Collective (LDC):

What makes LDC different from other organizations supporting the limb difference community?

Our drive to connect families and build a strong community in Illinois

We strive to organize meetups to facilitate meaningful connections and grow the community in Illinois. Events promote inclusion; all are welcome. Whether an indivdual has a congenital difference, acquired amputation, or is an ally - you belong here.

Providing education and resources to local medical professionals

This initiative stems from the limited resources we received throughout pregnancy and postpartum related to our child’s limb difference. We want to educate, empower and supply local medical professionals with resources to effectively support individuals entering into our community. Advocating for our community is one of our top priorities.

Note from Ali: In addition to my own personal, challenging experiences with medical professionals during pregnancy and postpartum (where I received no resources around limb differences), I am also a seasoned expert in my field as a Clinical Counselor, supporting the perinatal population for 12+ years. Drawing from the large sample size I have worked with over the years, the need for resources is there.

Offering resource bundles to local parents of children with limb differences - a “hug in a box”

We want to express our gratitude to organizations like the LimbBo Foundation, based in the UK, who are advocating at the highest level of their government, and offer their incredible parent packs, resources, and products internationally. When Kari’s family received a pack months ago after requesting one for her daughter, they gladly sent it. Mackenzie, at 6 years old, loves receiving happy mail. Upon opening, Kari felt a rush of emotions, realizing the impact this could have had in those first few days after giving birth and discovering Mackenzie’s limb difference. We posted the unboxing video and the community loved it, sparking the idea to bring something like this to the US.

Through direct communication with the LimbBo Foundation, we have received their blessing and support to grow upon these products and provide resource bundles for parents of children with limb differences here in the U.S., and to try to get it in the hands of medical professionals as well, especially where we see the immediate need in the Chicagoland area.

Collaboration with other organizations

Our desire is to highlight the strengths and services of the organizations we share on our website and social media, complement services, identify and bridge gaps, and collaborate for the greater good of this community.

Event sharing

From meet-ups to adaptive sports, fundraisers, and camps, we’re always keeping an eye out for upcoming events! Through our website and social media, we want to collaborate with and publicly share, when other individuals and organizations have upcoming opportunities that support the community coming together.

Our unique podcast: Parenting Children with Limb Differences

Our podcast is geared toward parents in the limb difference community. We bring our own spirited personalities, stories, community, guests, organizations, and supportive resources through research and relationships we’ve built. You can find links to the episodes here.

Consultation across state lines

While we’re based in IL, connecting individuals and families in the limb difference community in other states with strategies, resources, and (hopefully) funding to grow their local community is important to us. Consultation and support will be provided to the best of our abilities. No gatekeeping here.

Funding and contributions

We are a new organization in the beginning stages. We have created an LLC and are in the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. As we navigate through these next stages and beyond, we promise to be transparent about where funds are going and provide all records to the board, contributors, state, and government as needed/required.

In the spirit of transparency, please know that all start-up costs came from our own pockets.

Any funds we’ve accepted from other organizations and individual contributors have been allocated as we have indicated - to support our community events and initiatives. We are not paid employees; we are volunteers aligned with our organization’s values, and we truly believe these funds belong to the community we are so passionate about.

If your interests align with LDC‘s mission and values and are interested in supporting our initiatives, including upcoming events or getting the “hug in a box” idea off the ground, please click here to contribute. Or, if you know of an individual or business who might be interested in supporting LDC in any way, please send us an email and make an introduction.

Up-to-date local, national, and international resources on our website

It’s important to us to provide our community with the most current information, tools, organizations and resources as we continue to add to the great things we’re finding in person and online. If you find a broken link please let us know so we can resolve it.

Responsiveness

We value organizations who are interactive and responsive - especially in times of need. Therefore, we will be exactly this.

We care. You and your family matter. We are doing this for our children and the next families finding their way into this community.

Final Note

We hope this answers questions, clears up any confusion, misunderstandings, or misconceptions about the Limb Difference Collective. You can find more information and FAQs in our About section.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re just a couple of moms trying to put more good into the world. Contact us via phone, email, or through social media. Our (virtual) door is always open.

Warmly,
Ali Barnum and Kari Treat | Co-Founders & Co-CEOs

Email: info@limbdifferencecollective.org

Phone: (630) 403-8076

Facebook: Limb Difference Collective

Instagram: @limbdifferencecollective

Podcast: Parenting Children with Limb Differences