From Wild Rides to New Beginnings: How David Slider Found Freedom Through Resilience

For as long as he can remember, David has lived life at full speed.

Growing up, motocross was more than a hobby. It was a way of life. When those racing days came to an end, he traded dirt bikes for street motorcycles, embracing the same adrenaline-fueled lifestyle that had always defined him. Whether he was riding wheelies down the freeway or pushing the limits on two wheels, David never shied away from adventure.

When Recovery Doesn’t Go as Planned

Following a devastating motorcycle accident nearly two decades ago, David entered what became one of the most difficult periods of his life.

Over the next three years, he endured nearly 20 surgeries and spent nearly the entire time in a wheelchair. Throughout his journey, he repeatedly heard the same promise—that he would be walking again soon.

“It was depressing being told you can walk next month for three years at the young age of 21,” David recalls.

Eventually, after years of surgeries and uncertainty, he made the difficult decision to undergo a below-the-knee amputation in 2010. While the decision wasn’t easy, it also brought an overwhelming sense of relief. Rather than seeing amputation as the end of his story, David viewed it as an opportunity to finally begin moving forward.

Turning Personal Experience into a Career

After his amputation, David relocated to Austin, TX before eventually returning to Arlington with plans to become a prosthetist. While attending school, he accepted a position as a prosthetic technician with Baker O&P, despite having no prior experience in the field.

David visiting clinics across the country on his “90 clinics in 90 days” road trip.

Combining years of fabrication experience with a background in sales, David discovered a career that was deeply personal to him, where he could build relationships within the amputee & prosthetics community and help advance the industry as a professional.

Discovering the UniLeg

David first encountered Limber’s UniLeg while attending an industry conference in Orlando, Florida, where he met Limber’s Head of Product & Partnerships, Austin Helton.

Although he’d seen similar concepts online, seeing the UniLeg in person caught his attention. When it came time for his own fitting, Limber’s digital workflow aligned with the approach he’d used for years.

 

Over the past 17 years, David’s worn nearly 20 different prosthetic legs. Working in the prosthetics industry gave him access to evolving materials and fabrication techniques, allowing him to continually refine what worked best for his active lifestyle. Rather than creating an entirely new socket, David’s existing prosthesis—one he had fabricated and refined over time—was digitally scanned and recreated with small improvements.

“As an older amputee, we’re usually the hardest to fit because we don’t like change,” David explains. “I usually duplicate what already works and make small adjustments. The UniLeg process fit that perfectly.” 

Built for an Active Lifestyle

David’s first impression of the UniLeg was simple.

“It was so light.”

After nearly two decades as an amputee and years of fabricating prosthetic limbs himself, David understands how much weight can affect comfort and performance.

Outside of work, he enjoys riding his Onewheel on wooded trails, hiking, traveling, and working on vehicles. Those activities require a prosthesis that can handle uneven terrain, get wet during outdoor adventures, and keep up with an active lifestyle.

“I was surprised how well a plastic leg could respond to the K4 activities I do every day.”

 

David describes the UniLeg as the lightest prosthesis he’s ever worn, even compared to titanium and carbon fiber designs he previously built himself. For him, the difference isn’t just the overall weight—it’s where that weight is distributed.

“With less weight at the end of the prosthesis, it just feels easier.”

That reduced weight makes a noticeable difference during long days spent walking, traveling, and exploring outdoors.

Built to Stand Out

Performance isn’t the only thing David appreciates.

The UniLeg’s modern design has become a conversation starter almost everywhere he goes.

“I get compliments on it all the time. People are always asking to take photos.”

As someone who has spent years in the prosthetics industry, David appreciates that the UniLeg doesn’t simply function well, but it also challenges what people expect a prosthesis to look like. The UniLeg has made such an impact on David that he chose to commemorate it with a tattoo.

Looking Ahead

After nearly two decades as an amputee, David understands that every patient has different needs.

“There isn’t one prosthetic that’s right for everyone,” he says. “Everyone has different needs and different goals.”

Still, he believes the UniLeg is an excellent option for many below-the-knee amputees, particularly those looking for a lightweight prosthesis that can support an active lifestyle. Its sleek design and reduced weight at the end of the limb make everyday movement feel easier, whether he’s hiking, traveling, or simply spending long hours on his feet. 

Today, David continues doing what he’s always loved—traveling, exploring, working with his hands, and embracing new adventures. His advice to anyone beginning their own limb loss journey is simple.

“Don’t give up. One step at a time.”

For David, resilience has never been about avoiding challenges. It’s about continuing to move forward, one step at a time. Limber is proud to be apart of David’s story.