Name: Brenda Besse
Occupation: Cattle and Grain Farmer
Type of Amputation: AK
Most people don't know that farming is the second most dangerous occupation in the U.S., but Brenda Besse can tell you first hand how a seemingly gentle livelihood has its risks.
Brenda grew up on her family's farm in Illinois, and in 1981 while clearing the head of a combine, Brenda's right leg became caught in the head, and she was unable to free it. With no one around to help her, Brenda knew her leg would
inevitably be severed. Leaving her limb in the field, Brenda struggled to climb back into the cab of the combine, and drove herself back to the farmhouse where her father called an ambulance. Brenda's will and determination saved her
life, and would help her rebuild a new one as an active person with an above-knee amputation.
 Prior to her tragic accident, Brenda participated in sports like basketball, softball and golf; and actually
aspired to one-day coach basketball. Then at age 23, Brenda found herself at a turning point in her life, wondering what the future would hold for her and how her amputation would come into play.
Brenda Besse reacts after missing a putt on the 14th green of the Easter Seals Benefit golf at South Side Country Club Monday afternoon July 1st. Photo courtesy of Herald & Review/Carlos T. Miranda
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Today, Brenda still enjoys life on the farm, raising and showing registered Brown Swiss dairy cattle from Brierwood Farm outside Moline, Illinois. "It's hard work - we milk our cows twice a day, with no time off for holidays, and
that includes a milking at 3:00 a.m.," says Brenda. Brenda runs the feeding program and helps prepare the heifers for local and regional livestock expositions - about 6 per year.
Brenda leads a more active life now than she ever expected possible after losing her right leg above the knee. When she's not busy working on the farm (which isn't very often!), Brenda can be seen on the amputee golf circuit. Brenda
has won over 40 amputee golf tournaments sponsored by the National Amputee Golf Association. As a matter of fact, Brenda is the winningest female amputee golfer in the U.S.
In addition to her own hard work and determination, Brenda attributes her accomplishments to her state-of-the-art prosthetic equipment, in particular, her College Park TruStep Foot. "The TruStep changed my life - years ago when I was
first fitted with a prosthetic limb, the equipment was very heavy and cumbersome. I used to get a lot of hip and back
pain, which really slowed me down. Ever since I got my TruStep, I've been able to get around with no problem, and no pain. The foot is ideal for both my occupation and golf, since it allows me to walk on uneven terrain with little effort
- I don't have to concentrate on every step I take."
Even though Brenda's will and determination have led her back to leading a full and active life, she still recalls the trauma of her accident 15 years ago. Brenda visits local hospitals to provide counseling and encouragement to new
amputees. Anyone who knows Brenda will say she's a tough cookie, but has a big heart!
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