NORFOLK, Neb. -- A new support group in Norfolk aims to fill a gap for those who've lost a limb. The Northeast Nebraska Amputee Support Group met for their first time, Friday evening, at Perkins.

"This happens in the blink of an eye -- an accident, disease, things change drastically," said Jody Lenton of Stanton, an organizer.

Lenton became an amputee more than a decade ago, due to diabetes complications. His journey made him a go-to when his longtime friend Jay Beltz had a motorcycle accident last summer.

"Things happen for a reason, and in the beginning, I was like, why did this happen?" Heidi Beltz, who's known her husband for 33 years, said. 

Jay said emotional and practical support made a big impact -- pushing him even to walk for the first time without crutches, since becoming an amputee, Friday.

"That just shows you, that support builds you up," Jay said. 

It's a lesson shared too by co-organizer Vanesa Lenton, who met her husband well before she lost a foot after a bad fall. At first, in the hospital, "I had nobody there," Lenton, of Stanton, said. 

"Jody's been my savior and everything else -- he cooked my meals and did my laundry. That, and my daughter and four grandchildren," said Lenton. 

The importance of that support is why the friends wanted to make their posse bigger, and organized the Northeast Nebraska Amputee Support Group because "Locally there's nothing," Jay said. 

At their first meeting, Friday, members shared contacts, offered advice, and opened up. The space isn't just for amputees, but their families too.

"How does the wife handle the emotions?" Heidi asked. "Just take one day at a time," she recommends. 

All are invited to learn and share at their next meeting, on April 28th at Uncle Jarrol’s Pub-B-Que in Norfolk, or connect on their Facebook. 

"Don't limit yourself," said Jody Lenton.

The organization is not just for Norfolk -- but all of Northeast Nebraska, including Battle Creek, Pierce, Plainview, Tilden, and more.