The Hearts of Camp No Limits

Get to know Camp No Limit’s IZZY COLE! Izzy was born a congenital amputee, missing her tibia bone in her left leg. Before Izzy was even born, her mother knew about her difference in the ultrasounds. At eight months old, Izzy’s mother made the tough decision to amputate her left leg below the knee, as there weren’t many options and amputation seemed to make the most sense.

At a very early age when Izzy was just starting to crawl, the doctors brought up prosthetics to her mother, informing her on how they could help her as she continues to grow and eventually begin walking.  She was fitted shortly after that with her first prosthetics and actually learned to walk through wearing this new prosthetic. Because it was all she ever knew at such a young age, and because she learned to walk while already having a fitted prosthetic leg, she never needed or did any Physical Therapy. She just adapted and did everything by trial and error. Sometimes, we learn to do things our way!

As Izzy grew up, she began to venture out into sports such as Cheer, Soccer, and Dance. Her friend was a dancer, and Izzy was pulled into a lot of her classes and recitals. She was also introduced to art at a really young age and focused on drawing, ceramic work, acrylics, 3D art, and printmaking. The arts have definitely intrigued Izzy, as her artistry continues to grow.

Izzy was introduced to Camp No Limits at six years old through Kevin Carroll at Hanger! Her very first Camp was the Florida camp where she met and made a bunch of new friends! Before coming to Camp, she had never met another amputee like her and then all the sudden, she was surrounded by others like her. Some of her favorite memories from Camp No Limits include the talent show, tree climbing, ropes course, Clearwater Aquarium, and Sled Hockey! One of her favorite memories and motivations at Camp includes meeting Nataly Plotner and hearing her play the guitar. This inspired Izzy to get lessons after Camp and then self-teach herself how to play!  She can now rock out on acoustic and bass guitar. The first song she ever learned was Radioactive on guitar, and has been inspired by all her other friends that are musicians. And for all you readers out there, Izzy is totally open to starting a band, and you can usually see her ROCK OUT on stage at the Camp No Limit’s talent show!

Izzy feels that a lot of her self-confidence came from being at camp and surrounding herself with new friends, experiences, and getting to know herself more through these magical camp experiences. When she’s not attending camp, Izzy is currently trying to get into dental school, hanging out with friends, playing music, and her ALL TIME FAVORITE THING: good ol’ porch talks.

We are so grateful to have Izzy attend camp and we love her positive and fun energy she always brings. Camp No Limits LOVES you, Izzy! Keep rocking out and shining!

Post written by Bella Tucker and Alex Barone