Smooth Sailing - Accessible Adventures

I became an above-knee amputee at the age of eight after losing my leg to cancer (Ewing sarcoma). On top of that, I live with rheumatoid arthritis, which presents its own set of challenges. But from a young age, I knew that my amputation was not going to define me. I played baseball, basketball and soccer. I also took up downhill skiing, which I don’t think I ever would have done if I had two legs!

I grew up as a CHAMP within The War Amps of Canada family, and that experience gave me the confidence in knowing that I can and will do anything to reach my goals. The CHAMP family provided me with lifelong friendships and we continually learn from each other.

From childhood through adulthood, I’ve never let my amputation stop me from exploring the world. During the COVID pandemic years I decided to turn my passion for travel into something bigger. I founded Right Foot Adventures, a business that allows me to do something I love, and most importantly, make travel easier for people with mobility challenges.

Whether it’s finding truly accessible hotels, booking tours that accommodate different abilities, or ensuring that clients aren’t left stranded at an airport, I take care of the details so others can focus on the adventure. My focus is on bringing peace of mind to my clients’ travels.

Accessible hotel rooms are never “guaranteed” either, which needs to change. Something as basic as requesting a shower chair in a hotel room can turn into an ordeal and it’s no fun sitting on the floor of the shower and not being able to get up. I’ve had situations where I was given a commode chair instead — technically functional, but not exactly what I had in mind! These details matter, and without proper planning, what should be an enjoyable trip can quickly become stressful.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my travels is that accessibility starts with planning ahead. Here’s a simple but crucial tip for leg amps about proactive planning: If you’re flying, always add wheelchair assistance to your ticket — whether you think you’ll need it or not. It’s much easier to decline the service at the airport than to request it last minute when you're tired, delayed, or risk not having it available at all. A little preparation can make all the difference.

Travel should be about experiences, not obstacles. Through this new Travel department in thrive magazine, I’ll be sharing tips, accessible destinations, and real stories from a fellow amputee to help make the world more accessible for you — one trip at a time.