Who are you?
I’m Diane Pollock, a boat captain with a BAEd degree in Education with a specialization in Math. I returned to college in my late 30’s working towards a degree in Physical Therapy, but I couldn’t resist the pull of the ocean and pursuing a life on the water. I grew up on the Georgia/Florida line on the St. Mary’s River and the surrounding barrier islands. After being a sponsored competitive rower for 3 years on a national level, I was given medical clearance as an above knee amputee from the US Coast Guard to become a licensed boat Captain, so in 2011, I became a charter boat captain. I also serve in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary as a Coxswain conducting marine patrols on our local waters.
What’s your story?
I lost my leg above the knee in 2002 at the age of 32 as a result of osteomyelitis after a knee surgery to realign my patella. I fought the infection for 9 months before being given the choice of an above knee amputation or a straight-leg fusion with a titanium rod running through the knee joint. I had been locked out straight in a full leg brace for months, so I chose the amputation. If I had chosen the fusion surgery and the infection returned, I would have lost the leg at an even higher level.
What does Xtend Your life mean to you?
For me “Xtend Your Life” means pushing the limits in everything I pursue. I have found that most limits are usually self-imposed when I put my mind to something. After the amputation, I became more sensitive to all of the controls I need to exercise to maximize my potential in everything. As a result, I feel like I’m healthier than I was before the amputation. My life is lived in some of the harshest environments. For me the durability of the Lindhe Xtend products are vital to me staying active on the boat and in the saltwater lifestyle.
Follow Diane at Instagram @nolimitschartersllc
