Meet Courtney
“I used to worry every day about fit issues or pain. Now, I have peace of mind. Every day is a good prosthetic day with the UniLeg.”
For Courtney, life changed dramatically at 17. Now, nearly two decades later, she’s become one of the first people in Michigan to wear the fully 3D-printed UniLeg by Limber Prosthetics. And she’s not just wearing it—she’s thriving with it.
A Life Rewritten
Before her accident, Courtney was an energetic high school senior with a love for volleyball, softball, and hanging out at her Dippin’ Dots job in the mall. She had big dreams of heading to Western Michigan University after graduation. But on August 12, 2004, everything changed.
While driving to work, her vehicle veered off the road and rolled multiple times. She was ejected and suffered life-threatening injuries, including damage to nearly every major organ, a broken back, and severe trauma to her legs. After being airlifted to a trauma center and later transferred to a pediatric specialty hospital, doctors gave her family a heartbreaking choice: attempt to save the leg with only a 40% chance of success or proceed with amputation.
Her family chose amputation, a decision the surgeons later confirmed was the right one.
“I’ve lived longer with a prosthetic than without,” she says now. “And I’ve learned that your mindset and your support system can completely change your outcome.”
Pushing Forward
Recovery wasn’t easy. Courtney underwent 29 surgeries, including a below-knee amputation, spinal reconstruction, and the placement of a titanium rod in her remaining leg. After surgery, Courtney spent over two months in inpatient rehabilitation, followed by daily outpatient therapy.
Finding the right prosthetist was the next step. She began working with Corey Smith, Certified Prosthetist and owner at Oakland O&P, shortly after returning home. Taking into consideration Courtney’s courage and openness to try new technologies, Corey introduced some of the newest and most innovative devices to her. She eventually became the first amputee in the state to wear a robotic foot, and more recently, the first to wear Limber’s 3D-printed UniLeg.
Courtney’s team at Oakland O&P had told her about a new prosthesis that was revolutionizing the prosthetic device industry – a lightweight, waterproof, fully 3D-printed prosthetic leg designed by a manufacturer in California, Limber Prosthetics.
The process sounded too good to be true. “He scanned my existing leg, took a few photos, and said, ‘That’s it. They’ll send us your new leg.’ I thought, ‘This is never going to work.’”
But it did.
“When I put it on for the first time, I took one step and said, ‘Holy smokes, this is comfy!’” she laughs. “It was a perfect fit—right out of the box. No casting, no weeks of adjustments, just an incredible, immediate fit.”
Compared to other devices she’s worn, the UniLeg feels completely different.
“Over the last 20 years, I’ve tried various options Corey has suggested, each improving my gait little by little,” Courtney explains. “But the UniLeg is a totally different beast. The flexibility through the foot gives me a much more natural push-off. The socket is less rigid, so I feel more mobile and less fatigued.”
Courtney’s newfound comfort with the UniLeg has made an undeniable difference in her daily life, including allowing her to continue her passion for volleyball with her husband, family, and friends. Arthritis in her sound limb has made mobility, especially in the sand, more difficult for Courtney, but the UniLeg has reduced strain and made walking on the beach far more manageable thanks to its lightweight design.
Looking Ahead
Today, Courtney’s prosthetic leg is her strong leg. “I used to worry every day about fit issues or pain. Now, I have peace of mind. Every day is a good prosthetic day.”
Although her sound leg limits some activities, Courtney remains active, optimistic, and open to every new advancement in prosthetic technology. “This leg gives me hope for more mobility and more freedom.”
Courtney’s remarkable recovery from a tragic accident and her success with the UniLeg has inspired her to advocate for others beginning their own prosthetic journey.
“Don’t give up. You’re going to have hard days—physically and mentally. But get up, move, keep going. And if someone offers you something new? Try it. You never know what will be the best thing you’ve ever worn.”
Courtney’s experience with Limber turned her from a skeptic into an advocate. “I put on one of my old legs the other day and thought, ‘How did I think this was ever comfortable?’ The UniLeg changed everything.”
Beyond the technology, what matters most to Courtney is Limber’s mission: expanding access to high-quality, affordable prosthetics. “I’ve been lucky to have insurance and support, but I know so many people don’t. That’s why I love being part of something that helps more people live better lives.”
Courtney is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when fierce resilience meets innovative technology. Our Limber Team is proud to be a part of her story. She’s not just walking—she’s leading the way.