Jul 2, 2007 11:16 am US/Central
Foundation Helps Amputees Get New Limbs
Group Pays For Equipment To Make Artificial Limbs
by Jim Mullen
GURNEE (CBS) ―
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Kristen Anderson lost both legs, but got new prosthetics thanks to the Life Without Limbitations Foundation.
CBS
A new limb can be a new lease on life for an amputee. CBS 2's Disabilities Reporter Jim Mullen has the story of a foundation that helps get prosthetics to people who need them.
Kristen Anderson lost both her legs, but now she's getting new ones, thanks to the Life Without Limbitations Foundation.
"When I first lost my legs, they told me I would never be able to walk again," Kristen said.
The foundation provides modern prosthetics to people who couldn't afford them otherwise. "It's exciting, it's really exciting," Kristen said.
Mike McDonough started the foundation about a year ago with his niece Dana. The inspiration was Dana's dad, who lost part of his leg to diabetes.
He can afford the prosthetic that was best for him, but Mike worries about all the people who can't.
"The leg could be $35,000, $45,000; you might as well tell them it's a million dollars. They're just not in a position to handle that and insurance does not cover the bulk of it," Mike said.
Life Without Limbitations will pay for the equipment to make the prosthetics. It then turns to prosthetic makers like Ray McKinney of McKinney prosthetics, in Gurnee.
"They pay me whatever it costs me to buy the components. I donate all the labor and time," Ray said.
Ray and Mike are determined to offer state of the art prosthetics; artificial limbs designed for comfort and versatility.
"Our liners are modified urethane. It helps absorb shock. The sockets are made out of composites. The components are made out of titanium steel, in some cases, aluminum. All types of materials, all in the fabrication of one prosthesis," Ray said.
New technology and financial help let Kristen stand tall now and in the future.
"They actually think I won't need crutches with these legs, so I'm hoping and praying that this is true," Kristen said.
If you need help getting a prosthetic, you can contact the
Life Without Limbitations Foundation.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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