Our board of directors is united by their passion to fulfill the 50 Legs mission to enhance lives. The board includes leaders with expertise in a wide range of areas, including healthcare, nonprofits, law, fundraising and business.
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Steve Chamberland, Founder
As the founder of 50 Legs, Steve has spearheaded the charities’ mission to enhance amputee’s lives for the better for over 10 years. After losing his leg in a motorcycle accident in 1999, he decided to dedicate his life to providing other amputees with access to advanced care so they would be able to lead healthier and happier lives despite their injuries. As an amputee himself, he keenly understands the importance of physical activity on quality of life, confidence level, and self-worth. With this mindset, Steve has helped countless children, veterans and even those affected by the attacks on the Boston Marathon in 2013.
If you ask Steve how he feels about losing his leg, he might surprise you. “I thank God every single day for losing my leg, as it led me to what I am supposed to do. I just want to help people improve their lives.”
Gary Clifford, President
Gary is the President of 50 Legs with 47 years of his professional experience in the auto repair business. Gary currently resides as the owner & operator of G.A.Clifford and Associates Complete. His passion for 50Legs has only grown after years of serving as the board’s president and overseeing the impact that proper prosthetic care provides to amputees’ emotional and physical wellbeing. For Gary, there is no better reward than changing others’ lives for the better and his continued support on the board is a testament to his dedication to enhancing the lives of amputees.
Jake Myers, Director
Jake is an Army and Service Disabled Veteran who spent 10 years in service, including a deployment to Iraq where he was injured in a VBIED (Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Device) attack. Jake has engaged in multiple areas of government contracting and currently owns a SDVOSB Medical Staffing company and Co-founded a SDVOSB Kit/Gear/Clothing rep group.
Since his accident, Jake has invested much of his time with veteran charitable organizations to support the betterment of those who have served in our armed forces.
Samantha Eddington, Treasurer
Samantha is a nursing professor and a medical spa professional in Georgetown, Kentucky. Her daughter Katie is a 50 Legs recipient whose life has improved tremendously with the support of 50 Legs. Having seen first-hand the positive impact the charity has on its recipients, Samantha has joined the Board of Directors. Samantha’s leadership enhances the mission of 50 Legs through her family’s personal experience. Together with her daughter, Samantha has organized multiple fundraising events and raised over $75,000 to support amputees.
Samantha is also co-founder and board member of the Finley Foundation. The organization supports families with infant loss due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Cameron (CJ) Dumais, Board Member
CJ is a Westford MA native who served for 8 years in the army reserves, specializing in military policing. CJ currently works full time as an apprentice plumber with plans to receive his Journeyman’s license in early 2023. CJ has been a passionate athlete his entire life participating in football, lacrosse and track & field. He is also very passionate about his charitable fundraising efforts. To date CJ has run the Boston Marathon a total of 3 times on behalf of 50Legs raising over $50,000. He is poised to run for a 4th time in the upcoming 2023 Boston Marathon, a testament to his commitment to support the mission of 50 Legs.
Carmen Acabbo, Board Member
Carmen is the founder of C.G.A. Interior Designs specializing in interior design & project management. Prior to working in the interior design field, she had a 15-year career as a Sales Executive for various software companies including Progress Software, Webhire, Changepoint and Macromedia. Carmen is a graduate of Northeastern University with a B.S. degree in Business Management.
Carmen was first introduced to the 50 Legs organization in 2013 after running her first Boston Marathon, where her sister Celeste and niece Sydney were critically injured. Celeste’s injuries necessitated amputation of both legs, and after struggling with her first set of ill-fitting prosthetics she was approached by 50 Legs. Carmen saw her sister’s gains of strength and independence and felt inspired to get more actively involved. In 2018 she joined the Board of Directors. Since 2016 Carmen has led a team of Boston Marathon runners in supporting 50 Legs. The campaign has raised over $800,000 to date.
Joseph R. Sozzani, Board Member
Joseph Sozzani is a Board Certified Intellectual Property Attorney specializing in patent, trademark, copyright, trade secrets, entertainment and unfair competition law. Throughout his career, Mr. Sozzani has also volunteered his time in providing pro bono representation to numerous 501(c)(3) corporations, assisting in the formation and development of intellectual property for such entities. He has received numerous awards for his dedication to pro bono service.
Kimberly Spiro, Board Member
Kimberly is the founder of Kimberly Spiro Photography and has been heavily involved with philanthropic initiatives throughout her life. She serves on a variety of boards including: The Nursing & Neurosurgery Advisory Boards at Johns Hopkins University and The Parent Advisory Councils at Loyola University and Gettysburg College. Kim also serves on the Parent Council, Board, Executive Committee, Evelyn L Spiro School of Nursing Board and is presently Co-Chair to the Institutional Advancement Committee at Wagner College
Kimberly was introduced to 50 Legs over a year ago, after a friend of hers attended a local fundraiser. She was immediately touched by the recipient’s stories, the board leadership and the mission to give back.
Scott Willett, Board Member
Scott is a retired Honda Automobile Dealer who has held leadership positions throughout his life for many local charitable organizations. He has been heavily involved in supporting the local police, fire and homeless shelters throughout the Metro Atlanta area. Since joining the board, his passion for giving back has shaped the strategic direction of 50 Legs and emphasized the charity’s mission of enhancing lives for the better.