Rick: Elan IC

Rick’s Recovery: How One Veteran Regained His Freedom

Rick White’s story is one of resilience, service, and strength. With nearly 28 years in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard, Rick dedicated much of his life to serving his country. After surviving a shattered femur & severed femoral artery in Iraq in 2004, Rick began a long journey of recovery that tested him physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Although his leg was initially salvaged, he lived with chronic pain, limited mobility, and significant nerve damage for over a decade. Simple daily activities became difficult, and his health declined. “There came a point where I was chair-bound and taking pain medication just to get through the day,” Rick recalls. “I weighed over 300 pounds, and I didn’t know how much longer I could go on like that.”

In 2018, Rick made the life-changing decision to undergo a below-knee amputation. “It was the right move at the right time,” he says. “In just a few months, I was off all pain meds and starting to feel like myself again. I had my life back.”

Stepping Into a New Chapter

With renewed mobility and energy, Rick began exploring different prosthetic foot options. After trying a few devices that didn’t quite meet his needs, he was introduced to Blatchford’s BladeXT and ElanIC—a combination that gave him the freedom to customize his prosthetic experience based on his daily plans.

“I have both the BladeXT and the ElanIC, and I switch between them depending on what I’m doing that day,” Rick says. “The Blade is so light—it’s my go-to when I’m driving or walking on flat surfaces. I get great energy return, and it helps me walk farther with less fatigue.”

For more variable terrain, the ElanIC offers a different kind of support. “The ElanIC adjusts based on how fast I’m walking and the incline I’m on. And the standing lock gives me a real sense of stability when I’m not moving.” This standing support mode encourages a more natural posture that helps with balance and stability.

Life in Motion

These days, Rick is active, engaged, and living life on his terms. As a hobby mechanic, he’s been rebuilding his Jeep from the ground up over the past four years—a hands-on project that brings him joy and pride. Whether he’s wrenching under the hood or taking the Jeep out on backcountry roads, having the ability to stand, move, and balance confidently makes a huge difference. He also enjoys getting outside for light hiking and exploring uneven terrain near his home, something he wouldn’t have been able to do before his amputation.

He still wears a non-microprocessor foot while working in the garage to protect his ElanIC from metal shavings, but otherwise, his Blatchford devices support his lifestyle with ease. Living in a rural area, Rick appreciates the ElanIC’s waterproof design and rugged adaptability.

“I’d tried other microprocessor feet before, but they weren’t waterproof, or they didn’t feel natural. When I got the chance to try the ElanIC, I finally found something that worked for my life, not just in the clinic.”

He’s also proud of how far he’s come. “People are always surprised when they see how mobile I am—whether it's my Jeeping buddies or even my surgeon, they can’t believe how well I move. That’s a great feeling.”

Family First

For Rick, staying active isn’t just about comfort—it’s about connection. Being a single father with an 18-month old back home, Rick’s sole focus was to be the best parent he could be while still having to recover from his wound. After raising his daughter and her working on a college degree, he’s now focused on being present for the next generation.

“My goal is to stay healthy so I can spend time with my grandkids and be part of their lives as they grow up. Having access to high-quality prosthetic technology helps make that possible.”

Reflecting on his journey, Rick often shares his story with others in the hopes of offering perspective or encouragement.

“I lived for years with a limb that no longer worked. My quality of life has improved dramatically since my amputation. If my experience can help even one person consider a path forward, then I’m happy to share it.”

Rick’s Blatchford Gear

• BladeXT: Lightweight and responsive; ideal for long walks, driving, and everyday wear
• ElanIC: Microprocessor-controlled ankle that adapts to terrain, pace, and includes a standing lockShape

Rick White’s story is a powerful reminder that mobility is more than movement - it’s freedom, presence, and the ability to live life on your own terms. With the right support and the right prosthetic technology, Rick has transformed his journey of recovery into a life filled with momentum and purpose.