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Remember PLAYSAFE

Dear Editor, A few years ago, I tried driving a zero-turn lawn mower for the first time. I was thrown off and the machine ran me over. It was a life-or-death situation and resulted in the loss of my left leg below the knee.

Dear Editor,

A few years ago, I tried driving a zero-turn lawn mower for the first time. I was thrown off and the machine ran me over. It was a life-or-death situation and resulted in the loss of my left leg below the knee.

As a member of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, I’m spreading the safety message and sharing my story in a new video, PLAYSAFE: Don’t Let It Happen to You.

With the help of seven other young amputees, I warn kids to spot the danger before they play and to be aware of “mean machines” like lawn mowers, trains, boats, cars and farm equipment. I teach them that a few seconds of fun in the wrong place can change your life forever. You always think, “Oh that won’t happen to me!”, but you never know. You really have to be careful.

As the weather warms up and kids spend more time outside, I encourage parents, teachers and community group leaders to help me pass on the PLAYSAFE message. Please take some time to watch or download the video free-of-charge online at waramps.ca/playsafe. 

Julie Kozun, 18
Saskatchewan