Jamie

In preparation for their 5-km journey, MCpl Jody Mitic (left) and Sgt. Jamie MacIntyre (right) put on their customized running legs.

Wounded sergeant soldiers on after losing leg in Afghanistan

Sergeant Jamie MacIntyre was stationed at a checkpoint in Afghanistan when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). The impact immediately took his left leg. The damage caused multiple surgeries and fights with infection.

Being in the military for more than a decade, Sgt. MacIntyre was used to pushing himself physically and mentally. But, he had a new challenge: intense, specialized rehab at St. John's Rehab to learn to walk with a prosthetic leg.

Now, he runs.

On Sunday, March 13, 2011, joined by a team of 120 walkers and runners, the 33-year-old Canadian soldier ran five kilometres in support of the hospital that helped him get back on his feet. Also showing their support were his wife and his military colleagues, including Master Corporal Jody Mitic.

This wasn't the first time Sgt. MacIntyre ran with MCpl Mitic in support of the hospital.

In 2009, prior to his own accident, Sgt. MacIntyre ran to support MCpl Mitic, who also took on the 5-km challenge after losing both his legs from a landmine in Afghanistan. Sgt. MacIntyre never thought he would one day need St. John's Rehab's services himself.

"It's ironic that I'm here again, now running with a prosthetic leg," says Sgt. MacIntyre. "But I wanted to participate and raise money for the hospital that has now helped me."

So far, the participants raised more than $92,000 (and counting) for specialized rehab equipment and to support the St. John's Rehab staff in continuing to provide leading rehab care.