San Antonio Amputee Foundation
About San Antonio Amputee Foundation
San Antonio Amputee Foundation helps amputees and their families with the parts of life that get complicated fast, from support groups and education to case management, recreation, and advocacy. It serves people who are newly adjusting to amputation as well as those looking for resources, independence, and a community that understands the day-to-day realities. For donors, the case is simple: this is hands-on help rooted in lived experience. It reaches beyond encouragement and into the practical details that make life easier to navigate.
What sets this organization apart is how grounded it is in real-world support. Along with peer connection, it helps people find resources, handle transportation and home modifications, and connect with adaptive sports and community activities. That makes it especially useful for amputees and families who need both guidance and a place to belong.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Peer support groups
General support groups for amputees and their families, with individual support also available.
Education and resource navigation
Comprehensive amputee information, manuals for below-knee and above-knee care, ADA information, travel guidance, job search help, and links to support resources.
Case management and assistance navigation
Help for new amputees to navigate resources and remain as independent as possible, including assistance with transportation, home modifications, and subsidized prosthetic device referrals.
Adaptive sports and recreation
Recreation activities and adaptive sports, including the Full Metal Racquets adaptive tennis team, swim clinic activities, races, and community outings.
Conference scholarship support
Scholarship application support for the Amputee Coalition Conference.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization rebuilding the lives of amputees through peer support, education, case management and recreation.
Who they serve
Amputees, new amputees, and their families and caregivers in San Antonio and surrounding areas.
Their impact
- Mona Patel has provided support for hundreds across the nation.
- On December 26, 2015, 13 San Antonio non-military amputees, along with a medical support team and film crew, scaled Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Donations have helped provide an above-knee prosthesis to a woman named Les.
- Donations have helped a man gain more independence to move around his home with confidence.
How your donation helps
- Peer support, including group and one-on-one support
- Adaptive sports programs
- Education and advocacy for the amputee community
- Prosthetic assistance, including above-knee prostheses
- Support for assistance requests and related navigation needs
Our story
Mona Patel founded and has led the San Antonio Amputee Support Group since 1997, building on her work in the amputee community. The organization grew from lived experience and practical help, then expanded into education, advocacy, recreation, and assistance navigation for amputees and their families.
Need help?
How someone in need can access San Antonio Amputee Foundation’s services.
People needing assistance can contact the foundation or apply for assistance. The general support group is open to all amputees and their families on the second Saturday of each month at 10am at Morgan's Wonderland's Multi-Assistance Center in San Antonio, and individual support is also available.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
For those willing to overcome, we will show the world you can walk among the clouds.
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
Breathe. It's going to be okay. It's hard, but it's going to be okay.
Events
General support group
2nd Saturday of every month at 10amOpen to all amputees and their families, with individual support also available.
Season of Giving
AnnualA December giving campaign that includes donations, volunteering, and acts of kindness.
Giving Tuesday
AnnualA day of giving that kicks off the Season of Giving.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles San Antonio Amputee Foundation has shared.
Current needs
- Sponsors for the Mount Kilimanjaro documentary
- Donations to help provide prosthetic assistance and related support
- Volunteers for Tuesday Giving Events
Volunteer opportunities
- Volunteer with Tuesday Giving Events
- Help with seasonal giving activities and community service events
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- CNN Hero of the Year 2017, top 10 finalist
In the media
- CNN, Mona Patel was featured as a top 10 finalist for CNN Hero of the Year 2017
- Fox San Antonio, coverage of 8-year-old Jax Burton donating money to help amputees
- Express-News, profile of founder Mona Patel and two decades of changing lives
- KENS5, feature on a San Antonio amputee returning to her motorcycle
- Ruidoso News, story on amputee skiers from San Antonio hitting the slopes at Ski Apache
- Texas State University STAR, feature on an alumna operating the amputee foundation after an accident
- Fox News, story on an amputee mom leading eight men up Mount Kilimanjaro
- BBC News, feature on the woman leading amputees to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Who can attend the general support group?
The general support group is open to all amputees and their families.
When does the general support group meet?
It meets on the second Saturday of every month at 10am.
Is individual support available?
Yes. Individual support is available too.
How does someone apply for assistance?
They can contact the foundation or fill out the application for services form.
What kinds of help are included in the resources page?
The resources page includes amputee information, manuals, ADA information, support group listings, transportation guidance, job search help, and other resource links.
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