Learning to walk, at 78

Dolores Braun raised 10 children and worked the family farm outside Eden Valley, Minn., so she's no stranger to hard work. When she learned that complications from diabetes would cause her to lose her left leg below the knee, she told doctors, "Go for it." Now she's working hard again to get used to walking with her prosthetic leg.

March 20, 2011 at 4:53PM
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(David Joles/David Joles)

Dolores Braun raised 10 children and worked the family farm outside Eden Valley, Minn., so she's no stranger to hard work. When she learned that complications from diabetes would cause her to lose her left leg below the knee, she told doctors, "Go for it." Now she's working hard again to get used to walking with her prosthetic leg. "That's my goal, to walk without any [support]," she said. Lisa Steil, her physical therapist at Paynesville Area Health Care System, calls Braun an ideal patient. "Great attitude. You adapt to everything," Steil said. "We'll see," Braun fired back, smiling. "When I'm running races, I'll call you back."

Braun walks on her prosthetic leg under the guidance of Steil.
Braun walks on her prosthetic leg under the guidance of Steil. (Dml - Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writer

about the writer

David Joles

Photographer

David Joles is a photojournalist covering general assignments for the Star Tribune, with an interest in social documentary stories. 

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