Wioletta Wyrwol – That’s how she rolls

On community, visibility, and the desire for real inclusion

Wioletta Wyrwol openly shares insights into her everyday life with a prosthesis on social media, speaking about chronic pain and how she navigates challenges. Many people there also know her as “The One-Armed Lioness”. Through her openness and creative projects, she wants to encourage others in the community and raise awareness of invisible pain. In the REHACARE eMag, Wioletta Wyrwol talks about responsibility, inclusion, and the power of connection.

Portrait of Wioletta Wyrwol showing her forearm prosthesis

Name: Wioletta Wyrwol – The One-Armed Lioness
Age: 45
City: Fröndenberg, Germany
Occupation: Content creator, author, speaker

I live with the effects of CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) and, after a long medical journey, lost my right forearm.

A good day for me is when I can still laugh despite my limitations, pain is not the center of everything, and I realize that my story has helped encourage other people.

Is there something that currently gives you strength or helps you feel good in everyday life?

My community gives me an incredible amount of strength. The conversations, the honest messages, and seeing that my openness helps others not give up. Creative projects also give me stability and purpose – whether it is videos, writing, or music.

Is there a moment in your life that you especially like to look back on?

The moment I realized that my story was reaching and moving so many people. It is still special to me today because I learned that something good can grow out of pain. My reach is not just a number – it is responsibility and connection.

What do you wish for from society in how it interacts with people with disabilities or chronic conditions?

More understanding, less judgment. Not every kind of pain is visible. I wish for real inclusion, openness, and the willingness to see people as more than their limitations.

Are there topics, projects, or initiatives that are especially close to your heart?

Yes – social projects and awareness work. It is important to me to use my reach in a meaningful way: to draw attention to problems and to provide real support where help is needed.

Wioletta Wyrwol holding a bouquet of flowers and wearing a visible forearm prosthesis

"Not every kind of pain is visible." © Sonja Lipka

These three assistive devices, strategies, or forms of support are essential in my everyday life:

My prosthesis, because it gives me back a sense of independence – even if not every day is easy.
Mental strength, because I have learned to focus on possibilities instead of limitations.
The people around me, because accepting support is not a weakness, but a strength.

If you could invent your own assistive device, what would it look like and what would it need to do?

It would be practical for everyday life, lightweight, intuitive, and beautiful. An assistive device that combines functionality with confidence – without creating stigma.

What does REHACARE mean to you personally?

REHACARE stands for visibility, connection, and progress. It shows that assistive devices are not just technology, but quality of life – and that people with disabilities have a strong voice.

What has been one of the biggest challenges in your life so far?

Without a doubt, the years-long struggle with pain, countless surgeries, and ultimately the amputation of my arm. During that time – and still today – my family has been my greatest support. I would not have made it through many things without them.

Never give up. Even when the path is difficult and not one you chose for yourself. Your life is valuable – exactly as you are.

Nadine Lormis smiles in to the camera; Copyright: Victoria Emanuel

Editor: Nadine Lormis | REHACARE eMag

Nadine Lormis has been writing about (digital) developments in the assistive technology sector, self-determined living and inclusion for over 15 years. As editorial director of the REHACARE eMag, she is closely networked with the community of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses – both professionally and personally.

Published on: May 13, 2026