Julie Suttles


“In 2002, I lost my right leg above the knee in a motorcycle accident.

“Prior to the accident, I led a very active lifestyle and maintaining that life was of the utmost importance to me. So, I did tons of homework on prosthetic options - the features, the benefits, case studies... I read everything. When I was finished, I knew exactly what I wanted. The problem was that every prosthetic practitioner I turned to said ‘No. It won't work.’

“In spite of being turned down many, many times, I was determined to find someone who would work with me to overcome the many challenges I faced and help me reclaim the life I loved.

“I found that person in Jim Hughes. Instead of being told, ‘You can't do that,’ when I said I wanted a suction socket C-Leg, Jim came out to my house to talk to me. I remember him telling me ‘I don’t know if this will work, but I’ll try’ and he did.

“Jim Hughes was the first practitioner in the Southeast to fit a C-Leg. He understood the technology. Some time later, he told me that ‘What he didn't know was, considering my many injuries, would what I wanted be possible? Could we do it together?’

“Not only did we try, but we succeeded.

“Jim is a perfectionist. The idea of ‘it’s ok’ is not good enough. He brings an ability and integrity to the profession that impressed me the first night we spoke and still impresses me today. Jim is truly one of a kind. He is the only person who was able to successfully create a system that worked for me. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

NOTE - Today, Julie's lifestyle is even more active than before her accident. She maintains the responsibilities of work, friends and family. She still exercises regularly. And, she is extremely active in the amputee community. She serves on numerous boards, facilitates support groups and volunteers wherever she can. Some of these groups include:

Adventure Amputee Camp
Ampucamp
All Sports Camp
Amputee Coalition of America – Certified Peer Visitor
Amputee Foundation of Greater Atlanta
CARE - Community of Amputee Resources & Education