Making the Cut: A Journey of Choice and Community
In the realm of personal narratives, few stories are as compelling as that of Alicia Newell, a Guelph resident whose life has been transformed by a series of unexpected twists. Her story, captured in the upcoming documentary "Making the Cut," is a testament to the power of choice, community, and the human spirit. It's a tale that challenges our perceptions of what it means to overcome adversity and embrace a new normal.
Newell's journey began with a simple fall while bouldering at the Guelph Grotto, an event that set in motion a series of complications and challenges. The resulting infection, caused by fungal osteomyelitis, led to a harrowing eight-month battle with high-dose antibiotics. The side effects were severe, leaving her hairless, sick, and with a diminished appetite. Despite her efforts, the infection relapsed in January 2025, forcing her to seek another round of treatment in March.
It was during this time that Newell, facing the prospect of ongoing treatment and its associated side effects, began to consider a life-altering decision: elective leg amputation. This choice, though difficult, was not made in isolation. Newell turned to the para-climbing community, particularly her friend Nicolas Sabia, a member of the national para-climbing team, for guidance and support.
Sabia, who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident in 2019, has become a mentor and friend to Newell. Together, they embarked on a journey of discovery, exploring the possibilities of life with an above-the-knee amputation. Sabia, who ranks in the top 50 in the world for adaptive CrossFit Games, has a custom 3D-printed foot designed to enhance his climbing abilities. His story is a testament to the innovative solutions that amputees can devise to overcome physical challenges.
The documentary "Making the Cut" is more than just a record of Newell's decision-making process. It's a celebration of the para-climbing community, a group of individuals who have embraced their disabilities and found new ways to thrive. The film, directed and produced by Tyler Burr, is an independent, self-funded project that aims to provide a fresh perspective on the standard arc of climbing documentaries. It's a story of resilience, innovation, and the power of community.
Newell's decision to pursue amputation is not without its challenges. The cost of prosthetics, for instance, is a significant barrier, with basic above-the-knee prosthetics starting at $40,000 and requiring replacement every six years. Yet, Newell's journey is not about overcoming a physical challenge but about living with it. Her innovations, such as using a skateboard to keep her leg straight while using a rower, are a testament to her resourcefulness and determination.
The documentary "Making the Cut" is a call to action, inviting viewers to reconsider their perceptions of disability and the human capacity for adaptation. It's a story that challenges us to think about the broader implications of our choices and the power of community in shaping our journeys. For Newell, the support of her new friends in the amputee community has made what would have been a scary experience "very palatable."
In the end, Newell's decision to pursue amputation is a personal one, shaped by her experiences, her community, and her desire to live a fulfilling life. The documentary "Making the Cut" is a testament to the power of choice, community, and the human spirit, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to overcome adversity and embrace a new normal.
