Elin Rantatalo

Now, Elin is focused on the present and living life to the fullest. “I’m here, I’m healthy and happy, and there’s so much I can still do. I try to take each day as it comes and be fully present.” With two children, a dog, a cat, and a house to manage, her days are a blur of activity. She also juggles a career as an influencer, blogger, motivational speaker, and in 2023, she fulfilled a childhood dream by publishing her autobiography, Life Without Legs Goes On.  

Getting to write a book was a dream come true for Elin. Her autobiography is raw and honest. “With the book, my story will be out there forever, told in my own way. It’s going to be a tough read for many people, but I didn’t leave anything out. I wanted it to be 100% truthful.” 

When Elin first learned she would lose her legs and fingers, she took an unexpected approach. “It might sound strange, but I found the idea of prosthetics kind of exciting. ‘Wow, I get to be a part of this too,’ I thought. I researched everything I could about prosthetics and explored different options before finding what worked for me.” 

Today, Elin is happy with her prosthetics, particularly her Pro-Flex LP Align feet. “I love them! They’re slim and feminine, and I can adjust them to wear shoes with different heel heights. Plus, wearing heels without the usual discomfort is such a luxury.”

In 2024, five years after her amputations, Elin was finally able to get prosthetics for her fingers. 

“When I lost my fingers, no one could tell me what I’d be able to do with just one full-length thumb. I mourned my loss, fearing I’d never regain the ability to do everyday tasks. I even asked the hospital staff if there were prosthetics for hands, but they had no answers. I knew that I would never work as a hairdresser again, but I hoped my hand function would improve, however it was tough to imagine."

But then I learned about Naked Prosthetics and after trying the hand prosthetics on for the first time I immediately knew that they were the solution I was hoping for. “Not only do they give me a better grip, but they also reduce the strain on my joints. Now I can hold a glass in one hand and pull a suitcase with the other. Having a functional grip in both hands is invaluable. Plus, the design looks amazing and catches people’s attention.” 

One of Elin’s key insights is the importance of owning her prosthetics, instead of feeling like they own her. “I’m actually quite shy and don’t like being the center of attention. But I had to re-evaluate that mindset. People are naturally curious and will stare. So why not have prosthetics that stand out? I love showing them off because I’m not ashamed of them. It makes the experience so much more enjoyable. Prosthetics are more than just an aid, they’re a part of my body. You should want to wear it and to be proud of your prosthetic!”