After losing his left leg below the knee following complications from a partial knee replacement surgery in 2018, Gary Weiland has learned to adapt and overcome — two words that have become his life mantra.
As an active-duty firefighter, Gary maintains an active lifestyle and says there’s nothing like the satisfaction of knowing he’s helping save people on their worst day. His job requires him to climb ladders, move in heavy gear, and operate in dangerous environments; tasks he says wouldn’t be possible without his Fillauer devices.
Gary currently wears the AllPro DM, AllPro PM and Obsidian Running Blade.
He primarily wears his AllPro DM for everyday activities and fighting fire. He appreciates the split-toe design for stability on pitched roofs and uneven terrain. Since wearing this device, Gary has been completely pain-free and able to perform duties as a firefighter without skipping a beat.
Gary wears the AllPro PM for high-impact activities, like basketball and short-distance running, and the Obsidian Running Blade for longer distances.
“The thing I love most about the Obsidian is the split-toe design,” said Gary. “My previous running blade, the one I wore to complete the Boston Marathon, didn’t have a split toe, and I could feel every crack in the road. Since wearing the Obsidian from Fillauer, I can’t feel anything!”
Gary tells us he’s now able to do things that he’s not been able to do for the last seven years.
“Now that I’m completely pain-free with better devices, I don’t even know what I’m capable of,” said Gary. “I’m a competitive guy, and I have a new goal with my Obsidian. Not only do I want to compete in Boston Marathon again, but I want to win it!”
