Bend mail carrier delivers message, defies disability

One Bend postal worker is inspiring Central Oregonians by defying her disability.

Rebecka Perrine had to have one of her legs amputated last year. After losing her leg, she was told by disability workers she’d never return to her job as a mail carrier.

But she said that only fueled her fire to prove them wrong.

“I just want people to know, just because you have a disability, it doesn’t have to ruin your life,” Perrine said Thursday.

For the last nine years, Perrine has been delivering mail. But last June, her life changed dramatically, as her leg had to be amputated due to a car accident many years ago.

“It’s very easy to let this overcome you. Depression is a big one,” Perrine said. She said her family and her job keep her going. She is also thankful her boss let her keep her job.

“They’ve allowed me to work without a leg. I’ve been able to carry and see customers. I have a reason to get out of bed every day,” Perrine said.

She said her favorite thing about her job is helping customers, especially when it’s Christmas time.

Perrine currently works as a substitute carrier, but hopes to become a regular soon.

“My biggest goal is to become a regular, and I’m almost there. I don’t want this leg to get in the way of that — and I’m not going to.”

She said every day she reminds herself to stay positive and follow her dreams

“I have three little kids, and I want them to know that they don’t have to give up on the things they love because they lose a limb,” Perrine said tearfully.

Perrine said one of her biggest dreams is to run again. She hasn’t been able to run since her car accident.

Currently, Perrine’s prosthetic is made for walking and not running. She said her insurance doesn’t cover a running prosthetic because it’s considered a luxury need. She is currently working on paying off her walking prosthetic and then will start saving for a running one, which costs between $16,000 and $22,000.