25 year old Kris, born with PFFD was labeled a difficult fit & never walked with a prosthetic leg. Thanks to Steve Chamberland and 50legs.org, he found his way to POA where he walked for the 1st time, and so much more! Check this out!
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Bilateral Amputee Marko Cheseto Sets World Marathon Record
We are very proud of Marko Cheseto – a great athlete and even greater man! He ran the TCS New York marathon and set a new record for bilateral (double) below knee amputees – 2 hours, 52 minutes, 33 seconds. And that was his first marathon! Then Marko returned home to Orlando and became a U.S. citizen the next day. What an amazing week!
Marko Cheseto Sets World Record/Becomes US Citizen in One Week!
Fascinating Video on Science Behind Phantom Pains
Excellent presentation on science behind phantom pain. Very clear and easy to understand.
Rosie, Hip Disarticulate Amputee, Takes Off Running!
Rosie, an energetic 8 year old hip disarticulate since birth, was thrilled with her new walking and running legs. “I love them so much,” she exclaimed. “Now i can walk down my driveway easy, and I can switch to my running leg so easy. I don’t want to ever stop running!”
We are also making an arm and attachment she can use to play on her adaptive hockey team. No boundaries for this little girl!
Ruthie Learned to Use a Running Leg/Blade in just 10 minutes!
10 minutes after trying running legs for the very first time, Ruthie was already confident enough to take off on her own! Then there was no stopping her!
Shaylyn Runs For First Time in Her Life with Prosthetic Leg
Shaylyn, who was born with a bone deformity which led to the amputation of her leg two years ago, recently ran for the first time IN HER LIFE – and she took off like she’d been doing it forever! Afterward, she burst into happy tears, and the rest of us (some won’t admit it) joined her. What an amazing, emotional experience! Shaylyn returned home to Ohio with her mom, and the first thing she did was race her 9 year old sister. 🙂 Then she wrote a letter of thanks and appreciation to all the people who supported her, detailing her visit to POA:
“Dear Friends,
One week in Florida started with our first visit to POA on a Sunday. I was casted and fitted. It was then I found out I’d be receiving two legs – an everyday leg as well as my running leg. This was an unexpected surprise.
Day 2 was once again casted for my new liners and tried out my test socket. My previous leg was a pin lock system and now would be in a suction socket. I was told I was going from a rusted, beat up car to a Tesla!
Day 3 I walked for the first time in my new test socket for everyday leg and took it with me to try out for the day. The difference was amazing, both in weight and comfort.
Day 4 was a short day because the blade for my running leg was too tall and they had to order me a new one.
Day 5 I got my walking everyday leg and my test socket for my running blade. I felt like a kid at Christmas who couldn’t wait to open that special present. I just wanted to run.
Day 6 was my final day with this amazing crew. I ran for the first time in my life. I cried tears of happiness. All the crew were so happy for me and couldn’t believe I had never ran before. It was so natural. This week was amazing. They took a process that takes normally three weeks and made not one, but two legs! I want to send a special thanks to 50legs.org for making this possible as well.”
Shaylynn’s mom added the following note to POA – “Thanks is not enough. You and 50 Legs have changed and enriched Shaylynn’s life. You made Florida feel like home.”
#FeelingBlessed #POAproud #itnevergetsold
First Child with Bilateral Hand Transplant
Regas Woods, a congenital bilateral above knee amputee and Paralympic athlete, sent us a photo of him with a pretty incredible new friend. “I met the coolest little famous guy in the airport this morning,” wrote Regas. His name is Zion Harvey, and he’s the first kid to have a bilateral hand transplant. He also has two prosthetic legs. Zion was really excited to meet someone like Regas who excels at competitive sports, even though he has two prosthetic legs. Check out his story below.
Marko Cheseto, bilateral amputee: Future Marathon Man?
Marko Cheseto, a paralympic athlete, recently moved from Alaska to train with us in Orlando. He is thinking of training for a marathon in the near future. Why not? #noboundaries #dreamitdoit
Breakfast with Congressman Brian Mast at POA
We are proud to host a fundraising breakfast for Congressman Brian Mast on Friday, July 27th from 8-10am at our Orlando office. Donations are appreciated, but not required. Brian is a long-time patient and friend, and we are proud of his service to our country. RSVP info and details are specified in the following invite. This event is open to the public. MAST-INVITE-7.27.18 Orlando
Rep Mast represents Florida’s 18th Congressional District. Prior to serving in Congress, Rep. Mast served in the U.S. Army for 12 years, including under the elite Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and volunteered alongside the IDF in Israel. During his time in service, Rep. Mast was awarded The Bronze Star Medal, The Army Commendation Medal for Valor, The Purple Heart Medal, and The Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Rep. Mast currently serves as a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Veterans Affairs Committee and Foreign Affairs Committee.
From Paralyzed to Running! New Leg Braces Change POA Client’s Life
From paralyzed to running! We were blessed to witness this amazing transformation as Mike fit Jasmine with the new leg braces that would change her life.