Dallas Amputee Network / Legapalooza

Dallas Amputee Network, aka DAN, was founded by Ellen Fernandes in 2002. Ellen lost her leg in a motorcycle accident in 2001, turning the tragedy into an opportunity to help thousands of other amputees through the Dallas Amputee Network (DAN).  In 2010 DAN began holding an annual fundraising event, LEGAPALOOZA, founded by Tommy Donahue. This event, hosted at Milo Butterfinger's in Dallas, features live and silent auctions, food, games, live music, and raffles.

Over the last 22 years, DAN, and its members, have worked together to touch thousands of amputees and their families through one-on-one and group peer support, advocacy, awareness, mentorships, motivational and life coaching, health & wellness, and funding for attendance at National Conferences. Success stories include amputees from all walks of life, such as Teachers, Doctors, Firefighters, Executives, Homemakers, and Paralympians.

With 2.1 million amputees in the United States today, and another 28 million at risk, the need is daunting. Dallas Amputee Network’s goal is to continue providing their current advancement of amputees while increasing outreach and awareness, with an unceasing vision to maintain or increase the independence and well-being of amputees, deconstruct stereotypes, promulgate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), and create a statewide presence of enlightenment and support. Join us in our endeavors!