We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tony Korosak. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tony below.
Tony, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
Throughout my life prior to my amputation there have been challenges within my career, family, lifestyle and health. These challenges have taught me the important lesson that life is often how you react to the circumstances you are placed in rather than seeing them as a negative. Things happen for you not to you and because of this I see these challenges as opportunities to grow.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am working towards becoming an advocate for diabetics and amputees. These are two topics that have obviously impacted my life and are a major aspect of my lifestyle and the choices I make on a day to day basis. I want to spread awareness for how one can live a fulfilling life whether they are a diabetic or amputee. I also want my brand to focus on creating a community that shares important information and tips to help those living with diabetes.
Prior to my amputation I was never told that diabetics need to be cautious for their feet when they come into contact with water. The more people I talk to about how I lost my foot from being exposed to water as a diabetic, the more I realize how uncommon this knowledge is and as a result want to start an ongoing conversation.
Professionally, my focus has shifted prior to my amputation. In a world that is driven by numbers and stats, after my amputation I find myself looking to create community and connection. When you go through a life altering experience it re-organizes your list of priorities. My goal now is to truly communicate with others and actively engage in activities that bring me joy.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Quality #1: Decisiveness Feeling comfortable in your decision is crucial for anything, but holds significant weight when it comes to the journey of an amputee. One cannot look back and wonder if they made the right choice.
Quality #2: Education
I highly encourage people to approach their journey as a never ending student. Allow yourself to be a beginner, ask lots of questions and always try to learn something new and helpful each day to better yourself and share with others that may be on a similar journey. By educating yourself you can educate others and create community.
Quality #3: Asking for Help
When my foot first became swollen my wife and I immediately we
nt to emergency. I was later told after my amputation that if I had waited any longer to get my foot checked (like many people do) I would have lost my life. There are people who do not react sooner and prolong asking for help. If I had one line of advice for anyone it would be to never fear getting help, it could save your life.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I have to applaud the doctors, surgeons and nurses at Joseph Brant Hospital as well as the professionals at the Hamilton Health Science Rehabilitation Centre. These individuals devote their time and energy to not only saving lives but encouraging the journey and recovery ahead. My doctors and surgeons informed me step by step what they would be doing in every surgery and made sure my family was constantly informed with updates. My nurses supported and guided me on the proper path after my surgeries. My time in rehab made me appreciate all of the professionals I worked with who helped me find the strength to walk again while also giving me a place to share my emotions and converse with others going through a similar experience.
Lastly, my wife and children were very vital to my recovery. Even though I was the one that lost my foot, my family were by my side watching me go through this life changing moment. We openly communicate how we feel and do not hide what has happened. By having this support system at home it has helped tremendously with moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jbhfoundation.ca/stories/tony-%0akorosak/
- Instagram: @al3gup
- Linkedin: Tony Korosak
