 Name: Dan Cox
Occupation: Territory Manager, College Park Industries
Type of Amputation: Left BK
April 11, 1994 marked a re-birth for Dan Cox. For years, he struggled with an old basketball injury that just wouldn't heal correctly. After an osteoectemy in 1992, Dan suffered a staph infection resulting in an infected nonunion, which lead to 16 surgeries over the next two years. Dan searched for a positive medical outcome, but finally, his left leg was amputated below the knee.
Dan had ten days before his surgery to research the amputation process and prosthetic components, and to get some questions answered. During this ten-day window, Dan interviewed three prosthetists and was fortunate to meet Bob Wilson, the Executive Director of the National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA). Observing Bob's adaptive golf presentation helped Dan to realize that amputation wouldn't slow him down...he'd be just as active-if not more-than before.
"Before the surgery, my leg bothered me...there was a lot of pain. I didn't play much golf," Dan explains. "I didn't even want to walk, my activity level was limited - I was not looking forward to a life with a bad leg."
Since his amputation, Dan has become a stellar role model, from his active role in NAGA, to his job as a territory manager for College Park, to his role as a father and husband.
Dan was introduced to the TruStep foot and College Park in 1996, at the NAGA National Championship at Singing Hills GC in San Diego, California. CPI's president, Eric Robinson, was at the tournament, explaining and demonstrating the benefits of the TruStep foot to golfers. Dan's previous prosthetic foot hindered his activities, specifically rotation and a fluid movement through his stride. Dan explains, "It just didn't feel normal."
Hearing about the TruStep and seeing users walk motivated Dan to insist on one from his prosthetist. "I put the TruStep foot on, and have been wearing it ever since."
Soon after receiving his first TruStep, Dan was sponsored by College Park to play both NAGA and international tournaments. He then became a full-time territory manager for College Park, managing the Midwest.
Dan believes that he offers a unique perspective as a salesman in the Industry (Orthotic and Prosthetic). "I've put a lot effort into walking as normal as possible and I continue to work hard to be one of the best amputee golfers in the world. I want to help amputees and their prosthetist understand the many benefits of the College Park feet. College Park strives to make amputees lives better by providing great feet. I have been very fortunate to know amputees from all over the United States and in many countries. I know being an amputee has many challenges and look forward to assisting any amputee or prosthetist in overcoming any challenge."
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