Sabrina Coleman talks openly and knowledgeably about her amputated leg and the modern prosthesis that allows her to do anything she has the desire to do.
She started as the center on the high school "Juniors" powder puff football team. And, maybe more amazingly, she is the only female member of the Ontario (California) High School wrestling team. She also enjoys roller blading and playing softball. She will graduate from high school a semester early and says that college is a "definite."
"Something in the field of science I’m pretty sure. I’m loving anatomy, I loved biology. I’m thinking about something environmental, possibly marine biology, or maybe forensic science as I think I’d really enjoy police work."
In April, 1988, at the age of 8, Sabrina’s indomitable spirit was tested when she was diagnosed as having Ewing’s sarcoma, a form of bone cancer that had progressed through the bone and into the muscle of her left leg. Chemotherapy didn’t work. Radiation therapy was ruled out. Amputation was the only possible way to save Sabrina’s young life.
Two months after the diagnosis, Sabrina checked into Children’s Hospital in Long Beach and her leg was amputated at the knee. Sabrina’s mom, Jo Coleman, says that their oncologist wanted Sabrina to have the best prosthetic care possible and referred her to Sunny Hills Orthopedic Services in Fullerton.
The staff at Sunny Hills knew that the little girl could be fitted with a high-tech, light-weight prosthesis that would allow her to do all the things she had always loved. They customized a "hybrid" device for her and today she still wears this type of prosthesis and it truly does allow her to do just about anything.
Sabrina says she likes aggressive, physical activities -- like football and wresting. "I think I make it about five months before I have to go into Sunny Hills to have something fixed," she says with a laugh. "I’m so hard on my prosthesis."
Sabrina was selected by the manufacturer of the foot componentry used in her prosthesis, Flex Foot, to be a part of their national marketing campaign. She appears in advertisements, on posters and in a promotional video. "It’s been awesome," she says of the entire experience. She was also cast as the host in a Public Television program designed to showcase the capabilities of disabled athletes.
"I got to travel around and interview athletes and have them demonstrate their sport. I understand that it was shown to about 5,200 high school physical education classes across the country."
When asked what she’d most like to say to other children and teens who might be facing a situation similar to her own, this is what she had to say:
"Things in life can be rough, but don’t give up. Keep strong. You’ve just gotta go through things. No matter what’s coming in front of you, know that you can overcome it. Most of my life I’ve had problems. I’ve always been able to overcome them. Yes, there have been times I’ve wanted to give in, but I haven’t. Family and friends are so important. Turn to them for support and a push if you need it. Mine have always been there for me and that has made me strong."
If you would like to contact Sabrina you can send her an e-mail at XradiochikX@yahoo.com
