Recap: April 2026 Limb Loss & Limb Difference Awareness Month

April’s Limb Loss & Limb Difference Awareness Month was nothing short of extraordinary. What began as a series of small daily moments - stories, resources, reflections, and celebrations - grew into a powerful reminder of what community can look like when families, advocates, and allies come together with intention.

This year, we focused on belonging: how kids and adults with limb differences deserve to feel seen, supported, and celebrated in every space they enter. Through shared stories, educational posts, and community conversations, we highlighted the strength, creativity, and resilience that define our limb difference community.

A Highlight of the Month: Meeting Vivilette at Brookfield Zoo

Besides the big meet-up, of course, one of the most meaningful moments of the month was our visit to Brookfield Zoo with WGN News. Families gathered to meet Vivilette, the incredible three‑legged Mexican gray wolf whose story mirrors the courage and adaptability we see every day in our community.

Our segment with WGN’s Erin McElroy helped amplify the message that representation matters - whether it’s a child seeing another kid with a limb difference or meeting a tri‑pawed wolf who thrives exactly as she is.

Community Meet‑Up: A Day We’ll Never Forget

The 3rd annual meet‑up at the zoo brought together families, kids, volunteers, and supporters for a day filled with connection, laughter, and shared understanding. While organizing it the last couple of years has been a joy, this was our first as the Limb Difference Collective Foundation. The emotions hit us with how far we've come since our children's first cries - to creating spaces like this for more families to find connection. From stroller caravans to spontaneous kid friendships to parents finally meeting “internet friends” in person, the energy was pure magic.

This event was made possible by donors, sponsors, and the volunteers who show up again and again to make sure families feel supported.

Shout Outs!
Hanger Clinic - Thank you for feeding all of us with the Jimmy Johns (Irving Park Road, Roselle Crew came in clutch!) !

Rachel W - Your help with planning, and delivering the tickets - pre-and-post new baby's arrival shows just what a super mom you are!

Kate P - you are a rockstar for making all of the wonderful tote bags that families were able to bring home!

Sending the biggest, warmest, gratefulest hugs to the moms who came together and helped us fill the bags - Aisha, Ali, Erin, Kari, Kate, Rose, Tarah, Sarah (and all of your wonderful littles) - with all of the great information and products from these teams!

• Shriners Children's Chicago

• EazyHold

• Limb Love Library

• GLASA - Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association

• Moxie Adaptive

• Illinois Assistive Technology Program

• Bella Consulting Group LLC

• Dare2tri

• City of Support

• Move United Sport

• Para Cheer Spirit

• Mission Inclusion
  

And finally, a big thank you to our photographer, Dayle from Dayle Nava Photography, for capturing so many beautiful moments with the group, families, and more connections in action!
Find more photos here: https://daylenavaphotography.pixieset.com/limbdifferencecollective/
The download pin is 8944 in case you see any you want to save. Please Credit the photographer, Dayle Nava, when necessary.

What We Built Together This Month

• Daily awareness posts that educated, encouraged, and uplifted

• A belonging‑themed resource series for families and schools

• We showed off some awesome new apparel! Get yours now!

• Community conversations about identity, advocacy, and emotional moments

• A growing network of families who now feel more connected than ever

• Partnerships that continue to expand representation and inclusion

Looking Ahead

This Awareness Month may be over, but everyone's work continues. We’re already planning more meet‑ups, more resources, and more ways to support families year‑round. Add your info in the form below to be added to our newsletter. If you’d like to get involved -through volunteering, sponsorship, or partnership - we’d love to connect. Email us at info@limbdifferencecollective.org

Together, we’re building a world where limb loss and limb differences are understood, celebrated, and represented every day.

And if you'd like to help support more events and initiatives, please consider making a donation to our volunteer-run non-profit!