Name: Alma Patti
Occupation: Retired; Enjoys gardening, cooking, and visiting with neighbors
Type of Amputation: BK
 At 62, Alma Patti lost her leg to vascular disease. After failed attempts of stent placement, she describes her lower right leg as having had "died." "The amputation happened in Traverse, City, Michigan," she said matter-of-factly, "and it took a long time to heal."
She has been a below the knee amputee for about 7 years, although this is not the only health battle she has conquered. Ms. Patti also fought and defeated breast cancer.
Prior to having lost her leg, Ms. Patti and her husband, Sam, lived in Grayling, Michigan. She retired early from Mercy Hospital to care for him while he was ill. After his passing, Ms. Patti re-entered the workforce. A few years later, she decided to return to her metro Detroit roots to live closer to her 8 children, 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
When Ms. Patti started using the Tribute Foot, her daughter Fay Beecherl noticed, "She didn't have to lean over like she did before. She has a much more natural stride." Ms. Patti says, "It just seems to roll over better. I was so much more comfortable with this foot. There is more cushion when I walk."
Ms. Patti was fitted with her Tribute Foot just before Mother's Day. Fay describes her mother's excitement, "She was so thrilled at the family party that she kept walking around showing everyone, 'look at my new foot.'"
Originally, Ms. Patti wore an endoskeleton prosthesis. Since she didn't care for the look, her and her Prosthetist decided to go with an exoskeletal system. When she was fitted with her leg, Ms. Patti was brought to tears. The natural look of the exoskeletal leg gave her back her confidence. She said smiling, "I can even wear shorts now."
 In her free time, Ms. Patti enjoys gardening, cooking, and visiting with neighbors. She planted all of the beautiful flowers around her residential building. She also enjoys hosting her neighbors for dinner. Fay said, "She loves to cook. She would feed the world if she could."
Ms. Patti has been working with a physical therapist weekly to train herself how to walk properly. When she looks to the future she said, "I want to be able to ride a regular bike." There is no doubt that she will accomplish that. Fay, filled with pride, said, "She amazes me." 
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