This article was adapted from a piece originally written by Samantha Bodger as she shared her story and experiences navigating college and sports after limb loss.

Samantha Bodger’s life changed at 16 when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Faced with a life-altering decision, she chose below-knee amputation to stay active—a choice she considers the best of her life. Since then, Samantha has embraced new challenges on the slopes, in the classroom, and through adaptive sports, building a life defined by resilience and growth. This article was adapted from two pieces originally written by Samantha Bodger.

Finding Courage on the Slopes

Just six months after her amputation, Samantha traveled to Durango, Colorado, to learn adaptive skiing with the Adaptive Sports Association through a scholarship from the Kiwanis Club of Torrey Pines. Growing up in San Diego, she had no experience with winter sports, and stepping into a new environment was daunting.

Her fears faded the moment she entered ASA’s cozy cabin at the base of the bunny slopes. She saw athletes of all abilities and adaptive equipment ranging from sit skis to ski bikes. The only modification she needed was a larger ski boot for her prosthetic leg.

For Samantha, skiing was a reminder that sport can be adapted for anyone. The challenges were real, but so was her determination to meet them.

Letting Go of Embarrassment

Early on, Samantha found herself worrying about inconveniencing others. Lift operators had to stop the lift each time she boarded, and she felt self-conscious. Her instructor reminded her, “It doesn’t matter if they’re annoyed—it’s their job.” That message shifted her mindset.

By letting go of embarrassment and focusing on the joy of skiing, Samantha found freedom on the slopes. She fell, skied backwards, and laughed her way through every challenge.

Learning What Works

No two athletes—or adaptations—are the same. Samantha initially imagined herself mastering skiing quickly, but learning to shift weight on and off her prosthetic took trial and error. Her instructors guided her through multiple approaches until she found a method that worked.

That process became a lesson she carried beyond the mountain: progress often comes through persistence, creativity, and community support.

“Better Than Yesterday, Not as Good as Tomorrow”

At the end of her second day, Samantha described her experience with a phrase that became her mantra: “Better than yesterday, but not as good as tomorrow.”

Her progress on the slopes wasn’t dramatic, but it was meaningful. She went from never skiing to skiing independently—an achievement she credits to trying something new she might not have attempted without her amputation.

Adjusting to College Life

As Samantha prepared for college at UCLA, her daily routines changed in ways big and small. Back-to-school shopping now included prosthetic liners and sleeves alongside notebooks and dorm essentials. She navigated accessibility, managed prosthetic care, and balanced academics with recovery and training.

Heading to UCLA brought both excitement and uncertainty. Unlike high school, her peers didn’t know her before limb loss. She worried her prosthetic would overshadow who she was, but those fears quickly faded during orientation. New friends welcomed her fully, and small gestures—like roommates offering her the bottom bunk—built trust and belonging.

Meeting Physical Challenges

The sprawling UCLA campus tested Samantha physically. Orientation left her exhausted, forcing her to rethink how to move through each day. She turned to campus accessibility services for transportation on difficult days and learned to embrace support as a practical tool, not a limitation.

Expanding Her World Through Sport

Adaptive sports became central to Samantha’s recovery and identity. She embraced soccer, sitting volleyball, CrossFit, yoga, and skiing, finding strength and connection through movement. CAF provided grants and community that allowed her to stay active and explore new challenges, proving that with the right resources, athletes can thrive.

Looking Ahead

Samantha is majoring in Communications at UCLA, pursuing both academic and athletic goals. Her journey reflects the power of sport to unlock resilience, connection, and self-belief. Whether on the slopes or across campus, she continues to embody the mantra that progress builds day by day.

Support the Next Generation of Athletes

Stories like Samantha’s show the impact of community, mentorship, and access to adaptive sports. Your support helps provide prosthetics, training, and opportunities for athletes to pursue education and sport without barriers.