My name is Dan McDevitt I am an amputee, I got my first amputation done at age nine, and then I got my second amputation at age 11. I’m able to do whatever everyone else can, I’m able to run, I’m able to jump, and I’m able to climb. I live a normal life if I wear long pants, people can’t tell that I’m disabled, and that’s a good thing to know. I have the unique perspective of patient and employee at the same time I’ve been Lawall’s patient since I was five years old and now, I’m 31.
I like how Lawall creates a family-like atmosphere, they treat you like that you’re one of their own children. They really do care about you, asking about how your family’s doing, what are your hobbies like, and then if there’s any way, they can help you. Lawall Prosthetics is able to help you out if they can, they always go above and beyond with all of their patients. I’m an employee, but regardless of that, they still do whatever they can to help. The prosthetic legs they gave me provided me a higher quality of life. If I didn’t receive the great care that Lawall provided me, I don’t think I would be the person I am today.
Technological advancement has continued to explode as the decades pass, with something new and exciting growing weekly. The field of prosthetics has not been immune to these improvements, either, seeing significant advancements that improve not only the accessibility of prosthetics but also their capability and safety.
A high-energy, cut-to-the-chase problem solver, Rubio was active as trial advocate, litigator and negotiator on behalf of clients at his law practice in Upper Darby, PA. He was physically active, too, with his favorite activities including rock climbing, skydiving, whitewater rafting, and cycling. Just-married (17 days), he was on his way to his obstetrician/gynecologist wife’s graduation ceremony when everything changed in an instant: A negligent driver strayed from her lane and crashed into Rubio’s motorcycle (then into another car and the guardrail), sending him airborne. He sustained multiple serious injuries that left him in a coma for 13 days, awakening with virtually no memory of the accident or its aftermath.
It’s a possibility most of us can’t even begin to imagine: You go to bed feeling unwell, and awaken 2 ½ months later to discover that all four of your limbs have been amputated: that your life as an active husband, parent, coach and neighbor is forever changed.
This is the reality that faced 36-year-old Clark Deardorff of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, when he regained awareness in September 2017 at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, following an induced coma.
