Racing Towards Resilience
By Andrea Madrazo, Public Affairs Officer
What many would consider defeat at just six months of age has become the foundation of Dr. Kelly Bruno’s strength, purpose, and identity.
Today, the Pain Management provider at the West Palm Beach VA has transformed her lived experience as an amputee into a source of resilience - one that not only restored her self-confidence but also enhances her ability to care for Veterans.
Dr. Bruno has been surrounded by Veterans for as long as she can remember.
From an early age, she became involved in the amputee community, often alongside Veterans who shared similar lived experiences. Those connections helped shape her path and ultimately led her to a career serving those she relates to most.
“I bring a unique perspective, where I relate on a level that is more intense, having experiences I have had dealing with the struggles of being an amputee and the implications that it has had from a chronic pain level,” she shares. “That is where I bring a special empathy.”
For Dr. Bruno, that empathy is paired with something just as powerful: proof that life after adversity can be extraordinary.
In addition to her role as a physician, she is also a world-class athlete and record holder. Most recently, Dr. Bruno was crowned the 130th Boston Marathon Female Para Champion, finishing with an impressive time of 3:14.
Crossing the marathon finish line requires endurance, focus, and mental resilience, qualities she also brings into her clinical practice. She sees a direct connection between the mindset required to compete at an elite level and the care she provides to Veterans.
“I have a similar mindset when running and when serving Veterans,” she says. “It is a mindful approach, taking it one step at a time. There are dark moments when I am out there running where you have to have that little voice in the back of your head as a cheerleader and I am that cheerleader for my patients.”
Her accomplishments serve as a living reminder to her patients that limitations are not fixed.
“With a smile, she adds, “Veterans should not let themselves be limited by anyone. Our patients are capable of so much more. I always urge them to shoot for the moon, and they will find that opportunities are endless. Veterans, go for what you believe in. You are limitless.”
The strength she has built through running mirrors the strength she sees in the Veterans she serves.
For Dr. Bruno, movement is more than physical, it is freedom, healing, and possibility.
She hopes her journey continues to inspire Veterans to pursue their own milestones, no matter how distant the finish line may seem.
“Running is my continued pursuit,” she says. “I am thankful to use my pursuit as an example for Veterans. For what they have put on the line, I am forever grateful to serve them. This is me showing them what we as amputees are capable of. Limits are only what we put on ourselves.”