I like capturing the finer details in life. I also enjoy cooking and trying new recipes, so nine out of 10 times you’ll catch me watching Hell’s Kitchen or some other related show. I’m a huge nerd when it comes to anything Doctor Who related! Other than that, I find nature very soothing. Going on long walks and listening to music is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
I come from a humble background, but an interesting one, to say the very least. I’m originally from Serbia, but I was adopted at the age of six. I have 12 siblings, two nieces, and a nephew. All of my siblings are adopted, six from Russia, six from Bulgaria. I suppose one Serbian was enough for my parents. I honestly owe them everything for giving me a second chance in life. They have an unconditional and insurmountable love for their children. Most of us have some sort of mental or physical disability, but growing up, our parents never allowed us to use those shortcomings as an excuse. They believed in us and pushed us to be the very best that we can be. I’m grateful too, because I know that if I set my mind on something, and work hard enough, anything is possible!
I’m 25 years old and still figuring out who I am and what I want out of life. I currently work for Fidelity Investments, but I know that is not where I want to be indefinitely. I’ve explored different career options and college programs, but I haven’t settled on anything yet. I’m a people person, so I know I want a career that will allow me to make a difference in other people’s lives. PROTEOR has already made this somewhat possible by allowing me to serve as a Patient Ambassador for their company. I was first introduced to them when I had the opportunity to try their QUATTRO Microprocessor Knee.
I’m pretty tough on the products that I use, as one should be able to live life without limitations. I had done a number on the prior microprocessor knee I was using, so I was in the market for a new one. One of PROTEOR’s sales reps, Brad Flowers, got in touch with my clinician, Frank Loverso, to do a test fitting; I was in love. The QUATTRO knee was a game changer for me. I was suddenly able to descend down stairs without having to hold onto the railing. I could get in and out of vehicles a lot easier, and didn’t have to actively think about walking anymore. The fluidity, stability, and durability of this knee is unbelievable!
It’s been a real pleasure to be exposed to this industry and other amputees. Being able to hear about other people’s walks of life and the struggles they’ve overcome is inspiring. That’s what PROTEOR is all about, putting humans first by improving the quality of life for amputees. They value our opinions and actually make the effort to implement the feedback we give them into the products they manufacture.
