39 days, 18 survivors, 6 weeks of filming. Chad Crittenden, 35, was chosen as the first amputee to participate in CBS' Survivor Vanuatu. Remaining on the show for 27 days, Chad, a below-the-knee amputee, persevered through starvation, dehydration, discomfort, constant temperature fluctuations, and of course 24-hour camera surveillance.

Prior to the show's filming Chad prepped with his prosthetist, Wayne Koniuk of San Francisco Prosthetic-Orthotic Service, working on basic exercises such as entry and exit out of the water and strength training for optimum performance. "There were no complications with my prostheses during the show's filming. Unbelievably, my Renegade® endured everything I put it through - sand, surf, and all of the crazy challenges. However, I lost 15 pounds in 27 days and that affected how my socket and liner fit -- I had to overcompensate with extra socks."

You would think that being an amputee on Survivor would affect you mentally, emotionally and physically, but for Chad this was not the case. In fact, he would have planned the same strategy had he not be an amputee. "I have pretty high standards so I am satisfied with my performance, but not elated. Under the circumstances, there were a few challenges, for instance the balance beams that I caught myself on and feel I could have trained harder for." Chad's appearance on the show exposed the public to amputees and their capabilities. "I'm sure it dispelled stereotypes, and I hope that it inspired amputees worldwide," he said.


Chad was most enthused by the production itself, claiming that after watching Survivor for years, "I finally witnessed first-hand the real behind-the-scenes drama that the viewers wish they could see but don't," he said. "The technical aspects and coordination that go into the show is colossal, there are literally hundreds of people working together to make the show a success." According to Chad, each show gets better than the last.

At Freedom Innovations, the Vanuatu Season will always remain our favorite. We were thrilled to see an amputee performing such great acts while wearing the Renegade. It was a true surprise to everyone at the company and a pleasure to turn on the television every Thursday night to root for "one of our own". Chad's success is a measure of his determination and skill as well as a demonstration of what we have long known to be a top of the line product. We couldn't be more proud of Chad and his accomplishments.

To view video clips or to read more about Chad Crittenden and Survivor go to Survivor Bios on CBS' website or visit www.ChadCrittenden.com