Arielle Bonnici

I was born with a medical condition called Congenital Insensitivity to Pain (CIP), which means I don't feel pain. Because of it, I had many fractures, resulting in my ankles being destroyed. I had multiple unsuccessful attempts to reconstruct my ankles, but ultimately, the damage was so bad it was not possible to attempt further surgeries.

In 2012, when I was 26 years old, I had the first below-knee amputation of my left leg. After years of being unable to walk unaided, I could finally get around independently. Unfortunately, my right ankle was also getting worse, and ten years after my first amputation, I became a bilateral below-knee amputee. Although it was tougher the second time, it feels like I got a new lease on life. I am an adventurous person and love nature and traveling. After the last amputation, I started training and, in 2023, completed Xterra Gozo, an 11km trail around the coast of Gozo. It was an incredible experience that I hope to have more of in the future. Unfortunately, in 2024, I had a femur fracture, and that set me right back. However, after a hip replacement, I started training again and looking forward to more adventures.

Being an active bilateral amputee takes some work. Balancing is hard, and as every amputee knows, you have to deal with sores from time to time. However, you can achieve anything you set your mind to, and we're lucky to have extremely supportive physiotherapists and prosthetists. You only lose when you give up.