A story that moves wound care forward

At the heart of every clinical decision is a patient—and few people personify that truth better than Cam Ayala. 

At SAWC Fall 2025, attendees will experience a keynote presentation that defies expectations and centers humanity. On Thursday, September 4, from 9:20–10:20 a.m., Ayala will take the stage at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas to deliver “Believe in Better”—a raw, inspiring look at life with chronic illness, limb loss, and a relentless pursuit of advocacy.

From Reality TV to Real-World Impact

Cam Ayala, widely recognized for his appearances on ABC’s The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise, brings more than celebrity to the keynote stage—he brings lived experience. Born with primary lymphedema, Ayala underwent dozens of surgeries before a life-changing above-knee amputation in 2022. 

His journey from pain to purpose now fuels his work as a product specialist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where he supports fellow amputees and patients with chronic wounds.

Why This Keynote Matters to Wound Care Providers

Wound care is not just about the physical—it's about restoring dignity, purpose, and connection. In a time when clinicians face rising rates of burnout and patients with limb loss face staggering mental health challenges—including disproportionately high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide—Ayala’s message is timely and deeply needed.

The keynote, supported in part by The Save a Leg, Save a Life Foundation (SALSAL), where Ayala serves on the board of directors, challenges healthcare professionals to see beyond the wound and into the whole patient. It's a reminder that behind every chart is a story—and that healing starts with empathy.

By the Numbers: Why We Must "Believe in Better"

• 2 million Americans live with limb loss (Amputee Coalition)
• 185,000 amputations occur annually in the U.S.
• 10 million people in the U.S. are affected by lymphedema and related conditions (LE&RN)
• Patients with limb loss face a mental health crisis that calls for better systemic support

What to Expect from Cam Ayala’s “Believe in Better”

This isn’t a scripted talk. It’s a personal reckoning with pain—and a powerful call to action. Attendees can expect to leave the keynote with:

• A renewed connection to the purpose behind their clinical work
• A deeper understanding of the social, emotional, and systemic challenges faced by limb loss patients
• Insight into how public advocacy and veteran support intersect in meaningful ways
• Tools to approach wound care through a whole-person lens

Join Us at SAWC Fall 2025

Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, administrator, or advocate, Cam Ayala’s keynote is a must-attend moment of this year’s Symposium on Advanced Wound Care Fall 2025. SAWC Fall is also co-located with the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP), so attendees will also receive top-tier education on pressure injuries. 

Event Details

• Keynote: “Believe in Better”
• Speaker: Cam Ayala
• Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025
• Time: 9:20–10:20 AM
• Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
• View Full Agenda and Register Now