Board of Directors
Mona Patel
Founder, Executive Director
Amputee since 1997
At the age of 17, while walking on my college campus, I was struck by a drunk driver. Over the next several years, I underwent more than 20 limb-salvage surgeries before ultimately making the difficult decision to undergo an elective right below-knee amputation.
Tom Brady
Treasurer
Amputee since 2008
My amputation was due contracting a staph infection of unknown origin in my ankle. It then progressed into necrotizing fasciitis up my leg.
Yvonne Llanes
Secretary
Amputee since 2005
I lost my legs in 2005 after being hit by a car in which the driver was high on meth. Both my legs were severed on impact above the knees. I underwent multiple surgeries to initially save my life and then to save the remainder of what was left of my limbs. I sat in a wheelchair for 9 years before deciding it was time to get up and start living life. There has been no turning back since.
Donna Killough
Member at Large
Amputee since 1977
I was born with a rare condition called pseudoarthrosis of the tibia resulting in a bowed tibia and a fracture that would not heal. The condition also affected the growth of my left leg and foot, and I was confined to a full leg brace for stability. After many operations, including bone grafts and the insertion of plates and screws, my tibia failed to heal. At the age of 15, I opted for an elective amputation below the knee.
Gordon Luedke
Member at Large
Amputee since 2015
In December 2015, a series of health complications led to the amputation of my leg below the knee due to Charcot. I received my first prosthesis in April 2016. I'm a retired registered nurse and help the Foundation by providing medical assessments for applicants for Foundation services. I also served as the Team Captain for the Full Metal Racquets, SAAF's standing adaptive tennis team.
Stephanie Richardson
Member at Large
Amputee since 2015
Stephanie Richardson joined the San Antonio amputee community following her elective amputation in 2015. Her journey began with a serious injury in 1996 that led to multiple surgeries and four unsuccessful knee replacements before she ultimately chose amputation. Through every challenge, Stephanie has remained committed to living with gratitude, resilience, and a positive outlook.