We were lucky to catch up with Steve Chamberland recently and have shared our conversation below.

Steve, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents instilled a strong work ethic in me from an early age. Especially my dad. My dad was a crazy hard worker until he passed away. My mother died from Alzheimer’s when she was young as well. I work hard everyday to make them proud of me. I wish they could have lived long enough to see what I did with the charity.

Steve, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As the founder of 50 Legs, I have spearheaded the charities’ mission to enhance amputee’s lives for the better for over 11 years. After losing my leg in a motorcycle accident in 1999, I decided to dedicate my life to providing other amputees with access to advanced care so they would be able to lead healthier and happier lives despite their injuries. As an amputee myself, I understand the importance of physical activity on quality of life, confidence level, and self-worth. With this mindset, we have helped countless children, veterans and even those affected by the attacks on the Boston Marathon in 2013.

“I thank God every single day for losing my leg, as it led me to what I am supposed to do. I just want to help people improve their lives.”

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

I thank God everyday for losing my leg. I was on a bad path at the time. Losing my leg gave me purpose and honestly saved my life. I would do this everyday if I could. It never gets old seeing someone walk with a prosthetic for the first time.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

I have the most amazing team currently since the charity began. I cannot say that I manage them, more so, they manage me:). But, you have to have a team that has the same vision and passion for the charity as you do. I have had people on the team that just don’t get what we do. You cannot grow and have a positive work environment if your team does not share your passion. Many of the employees and board members have family members that are amputees.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.50legs.org
• Facebook: 50 Legs.org