10-year-old Kamryn Bond recently held a moment of silence at the Grande Prairie cenotaph in honour of the late Madeleine Jaffray, who lost her foot while serving as a nurse in Belgium during the first world war (Photo supplied by the War Amps)

By Shaun Penner

Operation Legacy

Local child amputee pays tribute to those severely injured at war

Nov 10, 2020 | 2:16 PM

With Remembrance Day near, a child amputee from Grande Prairie recently paid tribute to those who have been severely injured while at war.

As part of the War Amps’ “Operation Legacy”, 10-year-old Kamryn Bond recently visited the local cenotaph to hold a moment of silence in honour of the late Madeleine Jaffray.

While serving as a nurse in Belgium during the First World War, Jaffray’s foot was severely wounded after a bomb fell in front of her. That led to an amputation, making her Canada’s only female war amputee from that time.

Kamryn’s mother, Dale, is grateful for a program like Operation Legacy, which helps children like Kamryn and other members and graduate members of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program shine a light of remembrance on those who have sacrificed so much.

“To pay tribute to our fallen soldiers and veterans, and to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten,” said Dale. “Participating in it is an opportunity for Kamrybn to educate the public about the realties of war and to ensure that there is… an accurate and unbiased account of Canada’s military heritage.”

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The War Amps has been operating in Canada since 1918 with a mission of improving the quality of life for all amputees across the country. It was created by war amputees returning from the first world war.

That has provided opportunities for children like Kamryn, who became a quadruple amputee at the age of one following a serious illness, to connect with fellow amputees and receive needed financial support for artificial limbs.

Dale says the program has not only allowed Kamryn to connect with others just like her, but also for her to take a leading role in letting others know there are others out there who may face the same adversities.

“The entire program is built on a winners circle philosophy, so of encouraging child amputees to accept their amputations, and to live life to their fullest,” said Dale. “They provide a lot of opportunity for her to live her best life.”

Dale adds that since the organization was founded by injured soldiers, it is important for members to take time to pay tribute.

“By us paying tribute to the war amputees who started this program, so that kids like Kamryn can continue to receive support,” said Dale. “It is a result of the war amputees that we are able to do this.”