'People are helping me': Scott James describes his journey to receiving his prosthetic leg

Scott James takes his first steps on his new prosthetic leg. Photo provided

Anyone looking for motivation to never give up need look no further than Scott James.

James, better known as Scotty, has battled diabetes for years, which has caused problems with his feet. In December he underwent surgery to remove a toe, then had his leg removed below the knee due to gangrene. James has been living in Heritage Park since February and has been working on his rehabilitation, most recently receiving a prosthetic leg.

James said the experience has been extremely difficult.

“There’s been a big change,” James said. “Anyone who knows me knows I hate change. I try to help people, and now people are helping me.”

James is a well-known supporter of local sports teams, most recently coaching girls soccer, softball and wrestling at Falconer Central School. He also served as the baseball coach. James is 48 years old and has been involved in local sports for over 30 years. James thanked all of his coaches at Falconer, the physical therapy staff at Heritage Park and everyone else who helped him. James hopes to be released from the hospital soon. James said his rehabilitation is going well, he’s regaining his strength and is eating healthier.

Scott “Scotty” James works with his physical therapy team to use his new prosthetic leg for the first time. Photo provided

“I’ve been here since February and some people thought I’d be better off at home but that hasn’t been the case,” James said. “Everyone here has been really helping me with walking and upper body strength.”

Heritage Park is also helping James better manage his diabetes. James said he now eats properly, but has good days and bad days. Once he’s released from the hospital and able to return home, James said he plans to pay more attention to his health.

“I’m going to fight diabetes and take better care of myself,” James said. “It’s not easy. It’s not easy for anybody. Diabetes is bad for me.”

In light of what has happened over the past few months and before, one of James’ main goals is to help people learn more about diabetes and how to take care of themselves. James’ parents also have diabetes, and he wants to help people learn more about it. James’ goal is to talk to people, including high school students, about diabetes. In the future, he also looks forward to returning to the sidelines at local sporting events. James talks to players on the teams he supports, offering support and trying to keep them on the right path.

He said the most important thing for anyone facing a similar experience to James is to take care of yourself and get tested.

“Listen to doctors and people who talk to you about diabetes,” James said. “I used to not listen and think people didn’t know what they were talking about. Now I do.”

Another hope for James’ future is to keep his diabetes symptoms under control, avoid hospital visits and stay healthy. He wants to become an advocate for diabetes awareness and help kids who are worried they may have or will develop diabetes. The team at Heritage Park helps James administer the insulin he needs to take every 24 hours. James works to make an impact on people of all ages, including the seniors at Heritage Park, the local community and the children he mentors.

Overall, James said being healthy is important to living each day.

“You never know what’s going to happen tomorrow so you have to live each day,” James said. “I want to thank all the coaches who help me at Falconer. They call me every day and ask if there’s anything I need. They all care about me so much.”