After the two Boston Marathon bombings, five deaths and scores of severe injuries followed by gun-fights, false alarms and finally, an arrest, the country can begin to return to normal daily life. Many of us, with sincere concern for the safety of our New England neighbors, would never exploit  these unfortunate, mid-April events, but there are those who will for personal gain and some who should, for other, very good reasons.

The next few weeks will see numerous con-artists setting up websites for fake charities to benefit the victims who are still recovering in the hospital or those who lost loved ones at the hands of the alleged terrorists. Phony marathon “souvenirs” are probably already up for bidding on eBay. Others will write plenty of articles and publish them to warn you about these scams. And while I encourage you to be vigilant so you are not taken, my purpose in writing this is to look at opportunities that might be worth your support with nothing coming out of your pocket.

Here is my warm-up (not my main point): It was a worthy but expensive sacrifice of a 24-foot boat, if  it led to the capture of a suspected enemy of the United States. But, boating season has just begun and a boat riddled with bullet-holes is not seaworthy. Maybe the Smithsonian will call. Less than 24 hours after the discovery of the 2nd suspect in the boat, ABC News is reporting a campaign to replace the boat. In the meantime, I would not complain if Watertown, MA made the site of the 2nd arrest as an historic landmark. And some boat manufacturer or dealer could get some free publicity from donating a boat to replace the one that became part of a crime scene. But there are losses worse than a leisure-craft. (Now, for the big idea!)

Was I the only one who was surprised by the high number of leg amputations  performed after the twin explosions? Of course, it only began to make sense as the investigation revealed that the bombs were placed on the ground next to people’s legs. None of the innocent bystanders expected they would ever lose a limb, but many lost two. And some families have more than one member in the hospital in life-devastating conditions.

Stephanie Decker is the Indiana mom who lost her legs protecting her children from a tornado that destroyed her home early in 2012. Her recovery was miraculous enough but she has become a public figure with her exemplary attitude and a platform in support of improved insurance coverage for amputees.

I knew about Stephanie Decker from news reports. At first, she was another person affected by harsh weather. But she was clearly not a victim.  After she spoke to representatives of the state of Kentucky, she was selected as ABC World News’ Person of the Week (March 2013). I reached out and followed her on Twitter. To my surprise, and humbled delight, she followed me back. If you watch the video package on ABCNews.com, you may want to write to encourage her in her plight.

The problem she has exposed is that amputees have coverage for initial prosthetic fittings, but refitting is not covered. It is like having insurance pay for a cast to be put on a broken leg but not for its removal. Really? The people who lost limbs in Boston, like other amputees, will change physically in the future and new prosthetic limbs will be needed. As difficult as it can be for most people to deal with an insurance company, the benefits we need are there. This is not true for amputees.

No one needs me to add too many words, you see the point. Many of you reading this have healthy bodies, all your limbs and sound minds, not to mention sufficient insurance coverage for your needs. I am asking you to take five minutes out of your day and write your insurance provider, send them a copy of this article;  ask them what kind of coverage they have for amputees and find out what improvements are pending if follow-up care is not currently available.

As the dust settles after the horrible events this week, I can see Stephanie Decker visiting Boston area hospitals to comfort and encourage  those who lost limbs. Just like Gabrielle Giffords never imagined that winning an election in her state would lead her along a path to national recognition and becoming a household name in the debate over gun control legislation, Stephanie Decker may not yet see herself on a similar path. After this week, the door may have opened a bit wider for her. Kentucky is a great place to start, but the whole country has amputees.

Just as Stephanie  lost her legs to save her kids’ lives, the Boston victims have a lot to deal with. Adding advocacy for improved insurance coverage may be too much to ask of them. Can we lend our support? I am writing only to those of you who are not sick or injured at this time. Stephanie is one person and her worthy cause will carry more weight as more voices join hers.

What you can do:

1. Share this article with friends and relatives – ask them to post it on their timelines, twitter feeds and blogs.

2. Share it with businesses you patronize that provide insurance coverage.

3. Send this article to the health insurance carriers with whom you are enrolled (feel free to share contact information for your insurance provider in the comments section).

4. Write Stephanie Decker (@stephdecker12 on Twitter) and let her know you support her efforts.

5. Tweet the link associated with this article.

6. Share your story in the comments below.

Your efforts will be helping victims of the Boston bombings in a way that no amount of money can.

Written by Cheryl Crockett (@poetatete on Twitter)