Someone Who Gets It,
Right Beside You

Connect with a certified peer visitor — an amputee who has walked this road and wants to help you navigate yours. This is a free peer visitor program for amputees in Oregon.

Certified

Peer Visitors & Trainers

What is a Peer Visitor?

A peer visitor is a trained amputee who provides emotional support, practical guidance, and genuine understanding to individuals facing limb loss. Because they’ve lived it themselves, they offer something no textbook or healthcare provider can — firsthand knowledge of what it’s really like.

We are Amputee Coalition and AMPower Certified visitors and Peer Visitor Trainers. Our peer visitors can consult with pre-amputees, amputees, and their families at hospitals or clinics — providing support and camaraderie from someone who has first-hand knowledge of what it’s like.

Whether you’re facing an upcoming amputation, recently had surgery, or are years into your journey and need someone to talk to — we’re here for you.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Support Tailored to Your Needs

One-on-One Visits

Meet privately with a certified peer visitor at the hospital, clinic, or a location comfortable for you.

Ongoing Check-ins

Stay connected through phone calls and video chats scheduled around your recovery and life.

Family Support

We're here for your loved ones too. Family members often have their own questions and need support.

PEER VISITOR PROGRAM

Three Simple Steps

Reach Out

Fill out the request form below or call Paula directly. Tell us a little about yourself and what you’re looking for. There’s no commitment — just a conversation.

Get Matched

We’ll connect you with a certified peer visitor who understands your situation — whether that’s amputation type, age, lifestyle, or interests. We want you to feel genuinely understood.

Connect & Grow

Meet your peer visitor in person or virtually. Ask anything. Share your fears. Hear their story. This is the beginning of a relationship that can last as long as you need it.

AMPUTEE PEER SUPPORT

Your Certified Peer Visitors

Our peer visitors are real people who have navigated limb loss themselves. They’ve completed rigorous certification programs and are passionate about helping others on their journey.

Paula Free

Following an accident on a motorcycle, I chose to have my foot amputated. The fear and anxiety about losing my foot was relieved by a peer visitor who challenged me to do any and everything, that I had done before I lost my foot. As a result, I wanted to make sure that every amputee has the experience of having a peer visitor to talk to, ask questions, and be empowered by.

Request a visit with Paula

Kevin Cardoza

I electively had my left arm removed above the elbow because I paralyzed it in 2013 in a motorcycle accident that nearly took my life. I believe in positivity, adaptation, and leading others into the same mindset. I am passionate about technology and helping others to learn; I’m also an enthusiastic rock wall climber and am belay certified.

Request a visit with Kevin

Joseph Horton

Hi, I am 15 years old. I was born in Bulgaria and lived in an orphanage for 8 years… I have Moebius Syndrome and congenital upper body limb loss. POWLL has been a great opportunity for me. I have been able to surf, kayak, bow shoot, ride cool bikes, participate in mud run, camp and be part of the annual conference. I am also becoming a certified peer visitor. In my personal life I enjoy watching politics, drumming, and riding horses.

Request a visit with Joe

Michelle Torkelson

Hello, My name is Michelle, I am 53 years old and have been a BK amputee for 14 years due to trauma caused from a motorcycle accident. I am a certified peer visitor. I have been a Hairdresser for 33 years and enjoy staying physically fit and being outdoors. Yoga, gardening, and biking are a few of my favorite things.

Request a visit with Michelle

Shannon Nill

Born in 1960 and raised in Eugene, Oregon. Married to wife Barbara Nill. Met at OSU during College. We had our Honeymoon in an RV traveling to Vancouver, Island. I Graduated in 1984 from OSU with a Degree in Speech Communications with an Area of Concentration in Business Administration. Began working in my father’s Car and RV Dealership after College in 1991.

Request a visit with Shannon

Dave Lien

In 2015, due to a diabetic infection, I had a right below knee amputation. After 30 years in health care as an optician, I retired. I enjoy hiking, biking, the beach, kayaking, fishing and reading a good book! My life is full of activity. Our three teenage grandsons and college-aged granddaughter keep us hopping! I desire and continue to live an adventurous life!

Request a visit with Dave

Wally Bowen

I’m Wally Bowen and I’ve been a left leg above the knee amputee, due to a motorcycle accident, since August 1990. I worked for United Parcel Service in Nevada for 32 years, retiring in 2007. My wife Lisa and I moved to Junction City, Oregon in December of 2014. We both actively volunteer in our community. I’m also am involved with KOCF radio in Veneta, Oregon as a host of 2 radio shows and music director for the station. We both enjoy music, traveling with our 2 dogs and helping in the community. I started attending meetings with Power on with Limb Loss in 2017. I’ve talked to a lot of people over the years about issues with limb loss, I became certified as a Peer Visitor in 2019. I Graduated in 1984 from OSU with a Degree in Speech Communications with an Area of Concentration in Business Administration. Began working in my father’s Car and RV Dealership after College in 1991.

Request a visit with Wally

Who Can Request a Peer Visitor?

Our program is open to anyone affected by limb loss or limb difference — whether you’re the one facing it directly or you’re a loved one looking for support.

Pre-amputees — facing an upcoming amputation and wanting to know what to expect
New amputees — recently had surgery and navigating recovery
Long-term amputees — years into your journey but needing connection or support
Family members & caregivers — supporting a loved one through limb loss
Healthcare providers — can request visits on behalf of patients

Ready to Connect?

Whether you’re preparing for surgery, recovering, or just need someone who understands — we’re here. Request a peer visitor today. It’s completely free and confidential.

Prefer to Talk First?

Call or text Paula directly. She’s happy to answer any questions before you decide.

Someone Who Gets It,Right Beside You