Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Korosak

Hi Tony, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

When I was first introduced to your readers I was just beginning my journey as an amputee. August 2023 I was diagnosed with an infection which quickly turned gangrene; amputation of my left foot was my only source of survival and was urgently required to save my life. After three life saving operations, multiple antibiotics and six weeks of rehab my new chapter began.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Has it been a smooth road? It depends how you look at it, which I feel is a motto anyone and everyone should live by. I have a tremendous support team and every day my health improves. I would not necessarily call the events after returning home struggles but rather relearning how to navigate life as an amputee and being self reliant.

I like to take this journey one day at a time and celebrate even the tiny accomplishments along the way. One being retuning home from rehab, another not relying solely on my wheelchair or the assistance of my cane for transportation. Everyday I learn how to use my prothetic. Do I move a lot slower? Yes. Do I take the stairs slower while holding the railing? Yes. Do I require assistance with certain tasks? Absolutely. But I am improving. Slowly but surely I am learning to walk again with confidence and even drive myself short distances. I focus on remaining positive that each day will be better than the next.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

Prior to my amputation my world was driven by numbers and stats. Since my amputation I am now educating other Diabetics about the importance of foot health and the sensitivity our feet have to coming in contact with water. When you are diagnosed with Diabetes there is so much concern about blood sugar levels, as there should be but awareness about numbing in your legs/feet and the effects of water is just as important and needs to be discussed more openly.

Prior to my amputation I was an avid golfer and it was important for me to continue this passion. Working with PGA Golfer, Cameron McLeod, he helped me to adapt and learn how to play as an amputee. I am a proud member of ParaGolf and attended my first golf tournament in June and I am happy to say I won! It is moments like these that encourage my growth and allow me to feel that anything is possible.

I feel I am very proud of my openness to entering discussions about my amputation, especially when strangers ask during outings. One moment that immediately comes to mind was when I was at the mall. Sometimes I need to give my stump air, which means removing my prosthetic and liner. I happened to do this when I was sitting waiting for an appointment. A father and son walked past and the little boy walked up admiring my prosthetic. I noticed the young boy was also an amputee and we started sharing our experiences and talking about our prosthetics. I saw how happy this little boy was to see someone like himself and connect through even a brief conversation.

I had a moment after my operation back in August 2023 that I always like to share. My religion believes that a Priest should give you last rights before an operation just in case. Given that my operation was very last minute we couldn’t find a priest available so I went to my first operation without being blessed by a priest. My operation lasted around 1:30 AM. I did wake up early that morning after my operation; I was in my hospital bed with no lights on but the door to my room was open and the lights from the hallway were creeping in. When I opened my eyes I saw the silhouette of a man in a robe with the highway lights creating a halo around his head. My first thought was “WOW, I Made It! I died and made it to heaven!”

Moving forward I really want to build a charity for prosthetics. The WarAmps was a big support on my journey as well as the hospitals: Joesph Brant and Hamilton Health Science. It would be nice to have a golf tournament yearly that would build awareness and gain donations to help other amputees.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

Positivity! I have had many lovely interactions with strangers about my amputation which are encouraging and have supported my progress and aided my mindset. I will say for every positive interaction there are many not so great moments I have experienced during outings. While I understand I will be viewed in a different light as a disabled man I choose to not let this define me. I choose to embrace this chance at life I have been granted and not allow the negative opinions of strangers to define how I should feel or how I view myself and my place in society.

I did want to mentioned that after my first appearance in Bold Journey a reader recognized me while I was walking my dog. We had a pleasant conversation and they mentioned how my journey is an inspiration.

What I have discovered through my journey this far is that no matter what people will always have different opinions about you. Some good, some not so good, some even confusing. But the most important opinion is the one you hold for yourself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/al3gup/