Tom Oliver became a right below-knee amputee when he was just 4 years old. He was born with a birth defect to his foot caused from an anti-nausea medication given to his mother while pregnant. Tom received his first prosthetic leg at age 6 and it’s safe to say that he has not slowed down since then!
Tom says, “Limb Loss is my driving force…”
Tom and his wife, Karen, raised 2 children, Steven and Sarah, and now enjoy their 6 grandkids! Tom was a Police Officer, EMT and Volunteer Firefighter in New Madison, Arcanum, Union City and an EMT in Greenville until he decided to “retire.” Retirement has led to volunteering, over 10 years now, for the American Red Cross. He and Karen respond to national disasters such hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. Currently, they have helped with 44 disasters all over the country!
Tom has seen the world of prosthetics change over the years and, with that, he has worked with several prosthetic companies. He chose Action Prosthetics about 7 years ago from positive referrals from his friends and our patients, Kevin Smith and the late Charlie Colvin. Tom comments that his experience with Action Prosthetics, “feels like family.” Tom also said, “(he) gets great service from Action Prosthetics and that Karl (Burk, Prosthetist) is always willing to listen to his ideas.”
Karl (Burk, Prosthetist) is currently building a new Symes Prosthesis which utilizes a high activity foot for Tom. Tom loves that his prosthesis enables him to get around and do the things in life he enjoys.
When asked if Tom would recommend Action Prosthetics, he said, “Yes! … because Karl (Burk, Prosthetist) gives top-quality care to his patients!”
The staff at Action Prosthetics are so proud of Tom and how he lives a full life with limb loss!
(Picture- Tom Oliver volunteering at a disaster scene for the American Red Cross!)
