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Marilyn L. Garman of Lapeer lost her right leg above the knee earlier this year after suffering from septicemia, a life-threatening infection. The infection had settled in Garman's prosthetic knee, which had been replaced in 1990; Garman's left knee has also been replaced. After living with the infection for a year, Garman decided to proceed with the amputation.

"Any kind of amputation affects you," said Garman, 70. "You go through a degree of depression when you lose a part of your body. You mourn that part. But, you have to realize there are bright days in the future, and you just have to work hard to get to them. Eventually, it will get easier."

Garman said she has felt much better since the amputation.

Garman was hospitalized from March 18 through May 30 for the surgery and treatment. She has been undergoing occupational and physical therapy, and she recently received her prosthesis, or artificial leg.

"It's like a baby learning to walk for the first time," said Garman, who also had surgery on her shoulder in July. "I can walk frontwards, backwards, sideways, and I can stand -- I'm getting better each day."

Garman said she can also get in and out of the car with little help. "It's progress and I feel good about it."

While attending her therapy sessions, Garman was encouraged by her therapists to organize a support group for amputees in the Lapeer and surrounding areas.

"I was informed there were a lot of amputees in Lapeer County and the surrounding areas," said Garman, who has been attending a support group in Flint since August.

Garman said she has received a lot of support from doctors, physical therapists, family, and friends regarding her decision to start a local support group. "The encouragement and education from those who have "been there" can be of great merit," she stated on her resume. "I am eagerly awaiting the organization of this group to help others-including caregivers, friends, and families."

Having spent her life giving to various charitable organizations, Garman is no stranger when it comes to helping the community. On her resume, Garman noted some of the areas she has bestowed her services upon, which include: raised money for March of Dimes and MDA; chaired three "Jail N' Bail's," raising several thousand dollars; and spent 16 years as a volunteer at Lapeer Regional Medical Center, with seven of those years as coordinator of the Volunteer Department. Garman was also bowling league president for four years, and Lapeer County bowling treasurer for three years.

In 1994, Garman was named Female Citizen of the Year for Lapeer area by the Lapeer Area Chamber of Commerce.

She also owned Marilyn's Cake Decorating Supplies with her husband, Frank, for more than 12 years, and taught cake decorating for 25 years.

Garman became a great-grandmother in early November. She and Frank have been married for more than 50 years, and together they have a daughter, an adopted son, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. The family will forever mourn the passing of two of their children, as well as a grandson.

Garman said she hopes to get the word out about the new support group, and she encourages anyone in need of support to attend.

Ê"A support group is a very valuable "tool" for those who have gone through this procedure and those who may have to make a decision pertaining to this procedure," she stated on her resume. "I hope it will be successful."

Meetings are planned to be held on the third Wednesday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1310 N. Main (M-24); the church is across from the Lapeer Regional Medical Center. Garman asked that guests use the east entrance for their convenience.

The first meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. Jan. 21.

For further information regarding the support group, contact Garman at (810) 664-3345 or e-mail her at fmgarman@tm.net