Veteran’s rehabilitation has personal significance

Donald Strup, a Veteran and bilateral amputee, has faced unimaginable challenges, but with determination and an unwavering commitment to reclaiming his life, his journey through rehabilitation has become a beacon of hope for all Veterans.

Strup, who lost his right leg in 2010 and his left in 2023 due to service-related injuries, entered the Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Rehabilitation Program at North Texas VA with a singular goal: to walk again. For Strup, this goal carries profound personal significance.

“My goal is to eventually learn to walk. I want to be able to walk my daughter down the aisle at her wedding next year. That’s what keeps me going,” he shared.

A rigorous rehabilitation process

Strup’s rehabilitation is part of the Amputation Specialty Program, tailored to the needs of Veterans who have undergone amputations. His daily routine includes intensive therapy aimed at helping him adapt to prosthetics, a process that requires waking up muscles that have been dormant for years.

“Standing up and balancing on prosthetic legs was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. You have to learn to control your muscles in ways you never thought possible,” he said.

Pictured above, Strup performs intensive therapy with the help of Jessica Menth, occupational therapist.

Overcoming challenges

One of the significant challenges Strup faces is his weight. Carrying extra weight increases the difficulty of balancing on prosthetics and places additional strain on his body during therapy. Despite these obstacles, he has shown remarkable perseverance, dedicating himself to strengthening his upper body and improving his endurance.

“Much of his therapy includes upper body strengthening and endurance training,” said Giselle Rodriguez, physical therapist. “This is vital for him to support and balance himself when using adaptive devices like short walkers or parallel bars.”

Strup’s therapy schedule is demanding, involving a minimum of three hours of intense therapy each day. Yet, he approaches each session with determination, knowing that every effort brings him closer to his goal.

Supportive rehabilitation team

“The team is incredible. They’ve given me hope and the tools I need to keep pushing forward.” he said.

As Strup prepares to transition from inpatient to outpatient therapy, the support he has received from the team will continue to guide him. While the road ahead remains challenging, Strup is confident in his ability to achieve his dream of walking his daughter down the aisle.

“If you have a desire to stand up again on your own two feet, although they’re artificial, you have to at least give it a try. I’m 69 and I still want to walk. That’s my goal and I’m not giving up,” he added.