 Name: Catherine Barrette
Type of Amputation: AK
Profession: Free-lance artist and photographer
A car accident left Catherine Barrette an above the knee amputee. But this wasn't a typical car accident, Catherine wasn't even in a car, she was simply trying to cross the street.
Three months after giving birth to her daughter, Ella, Catherine decided to restart volunteering at a local arts organization. January 21st, 1997 was her first day back to the organization and the first time she had ever left her new daughter. Unbeknownst to Catherine, this day would lead to many "firsts."
As she was waiting to cross the street, a car crashed into an SUV. The SUV, then, lost control. The driver swerved onto the sidewalk and struck Catherine. When the SUV stopped, it was pinning Catherine against a tree. As a result, she lost her left leg, suffered many broken bones and a traumatic brain injury leaving her with no memory of the accident.
It has now been seven years since the accident and Catherine is doing great. She has used three different feet. Her latest and favorite is the College Park Venture™ foot. She says, "It's the best foot I've had."
 The first difference Catherine noticed with the Venture Foot was the stability. She says, "the resistance from the toe area offers a lot more stability compared to my previous feet, especially going down ramps and in crowds." She explains, "In crowds people change their gait often. They walk in front of you, cut you off. You're constantly changing your gait with the crowd. The Venture foot allows me to change with them because of the stability it offers."
 Since wearing the Venture foot, Catherine has been walking more often and longer distances. On the treadmill at the local health club, she is able to increase the incline and walk two miles, several times a week. She says, "There is great energy return. I felt lighter on my feet because of the extra bounce it gives." With ease, Catherine is able to walk through the woods with her husband, Andrew, go bike riding with their daughter, Ella, and play Frisbee with her dogs, Bunny and Pepper without worrying about falling.
Catherine and her family live in Quebec, Canada, which is snow covered for nearly six months of the year. It used to be extremely hard for her to walk through the snow. "But now," she says, "since wearing the Venture foot I don't have to worry about falling as much. The Venture foot makes a big difference in the snow."
 When not venturing on uneven terrain, Catherine is a free-lance artist and photographer. She earned a Visual Arts Degree from the University of Ottawa. In her free time, she is a devoted volunteer at the regional psychiatric hospital, where she serves as President of the Board of Directors.
When looking to the future Catherine plans to maintain a high level of activity and to continue participating in social and community activities.
Catherine appreciates the support she received from her husband, daughter and family. She, also, acknowledges the professionalism of healthcare workers that pushed her to get where she is today.
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