Marisa Carlini has spent her life helping others.

The 64-year-old Santa Clara resident grew up with a nurse as a mom and decided to pursue the same profession. Yet, she didn’t do it simply because being a nurse ran in the family, but because a compassion toward others is a big part of who she is.

“I love to take care of people — to listen to people,” says Carlini, gazing around her home from her wheelchair. “I never thought I would be in this position.”

After dealing with severe leg problems and pain for five years — and undergoing four failed surgeries to try and correct the situation — Carlini had her left leg amputated in late 2024.

“The pain was gone,” she remarks from the home she shares with two dogs, two birds and son Matteo.

Losing her leg, however, changed pretty much every a

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