My name is Justin Salvatera and I have been an amputee for over 20 years. When I was a child, only 12 years old, I lost my leg due to cancer. I had a bone tumor, and it was tough, but we were really fortunate to catch it early. I had a slow recovery due to some other medical things, so I was on crutches for a long time. When I did finally get a prosthesis, it was really a big day, it was certainly a new way of life.
My name is Lee Baker and I spent 20 years working as a carpenter until I found out that I had a soft tissue Sarcoma. My doctors, family, and I spent five years fighting to keep my leg, and then finally we had no choice but to amputate it, doctors had never really seen somebody with a hip disarticulation succeed with a prosthetic leg.
Renee Jones is a Physical Therapist and mom of 2 rambunctious boys who are 16 and 8 and she is always running around with them. Renee is in a unique position being a home care physical therapist and an amputee. Sometimes patients are not sure what to make of it all. But the majority of the people Renee works with see her as an inspiration, she reports they often say
Ellie Long has been swimming since she was seven years old—and competing in state-level meets before an adolescent growth spurt threatened her swimming career and changed her life.
In his infancy, young Paul Hassler embodies the spirit of a triumphant warrior, courageously confronting plagiocephaly and torticollis with the help of Lawall Prosthetics and Orthotics. Their innovative custom-fitted helmet, designed with SmartSoc™ 3D scanning systems, is his secret weapon, gently correcting his condition with minimal discomfort. This transformative tool empowers children like Paul, allowing them to delight in their youth unhampered. Stand against your anxieties and uncertainties, as Cheryl Hassler, Paul’s mother, advises: “Don’t hesitate. Get it done.” With Lawall Prosthetics and Orthotics’ team of experienced healthcare professionals standing with you, you’re never alone. Invest in your child’s happy and healthy future – equip them for success with Lawall Prosthetics and Orthotics.
Imagine trying to play a game of charades with your hands tied, wearing a gag, and you may have some idea of the frustrations some individuals with cerebral palsy experience when trying to communicate. Add that to the mobility challenges also faced by 19-year-old Brandon Kucowski, and you’re looking at a lifestyle that would daunt most people.
But Brandon is by nature a happy person with a family who is “in tune” with his feelings without relying on traditional channels; and they’ve found—and created—ways that allow Brandon to share and enjoy an exciting outdoor world far beyond the range of a standard wheelchair.
Kenneth L. Scott, Sgt. USMC Retired, is also a 100% Disabled War Veteran who fought in the Gulf War during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, was stationed in the Philippines during the 1989 Philippine coup, and has completed intense training and missions all over the world. As a result, he has already grappled with a variety of challenges and medical issues, including neurological damage, exposure to NBC (Nuclear Biological and Chemical) warfare and blunt force trauma that resulted in total blindness in his right eye. No stranger to adversity, Scott casually dismisses those trials as “a lot of mini-surgeries—just way too many things to count”—and is enthusiastic about telling a tale of triumph, instead.
Meet Joanna and Nathanael, two extraordinary siblings with arthrogryposis who have turned their challenges into triumphs. Despite their physical limitations, these resilient individuals have not only undergone corrective surgery but also engage actively in sled hockey and other sports! Joanna, with her deft command over the piano and proficiency in Accounting and Spanish, is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Equally remarkable, Nathanael uses his knack for computer science to better the lives of others by developing a mobile app that helps students with disabilities. Their mother, Nancy, underscores the significance of a strong medical support system for success. Together, they showcase the strength of faith, the importance of self-worth, and the power of resilience.
All young ladies dream dreams: but while 16-year-old Rachel Buckley is dreaming, she’s also busy designing cities and kicking soccer balls with an energy and enthusiasm that raises the bar for her peers. Instead of slowing her down, the prosthetic leg and soccer-customized Cheetah foot she wears seem to motivate Rachel not only to keep up with her able-bodied teammates, but to do more—and do it faster and better every time.
Facing diabetes from a young age, Jim Davis allowed it to shape him, not define him. Despite suffering severe health complications, his unwavering resilience triumphed. Post-gastric sleeve surgery, and after shedding significant weight, his determination soared to new heights as he participated in the Tour de Cure bike ride. With an unshakable support system comprising of family, healthcare team, and prosthetists, Jim has turned his life around and is steadfastly setting ambitious goals for the future. His story is a testament that no matter the adversity, with determination and support, progress and rehabilitation is always possible.
