Outswimming Scoliosis: The Ellie Long Story
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.
Blog
This Small Warrior Wears His Helmet Proudly—and Wins!
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.
Brandon Kucowski: Limited Mobility Can’t Limit His Horizons
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.
Adapt! Overcome!
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.
Joanna and Nathanael Costa: Turning Limitations into Gifts
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.
Teen Athlete Springs Into Action Despite Amputation
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.
Jim Davis: Battling Diabetes… and Keeping a Promise
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.
Family Overcomes International Mobility Challenges
The stork can only claim part of the credit for the family created by Guy and Linda Reid and their three exceptional children: Emily (7); Sarah (10) and Matthew (11). Although the Reid’s three children were adopted at different times over a three-year period, and were born into different Chinese families, people often ask Linda if they’re siblings. “They are now!” she laughs. “Many people think they’re triplets. That’s funny.”
Izzeddin Alnawasra: Walking Home to Gaza
The rigors of daily life in a war zone are unimaginable to many; it’s a world filled with hardships, insecurities, and very real dangers to life and limb. Izzeddin Alnawasra, a 15-year old survivor of such a life, lost his leg in a traumatic amputation after sustaining a gunshot wound in May 2018. He later came from Gaza, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, to the United States, and arrived in a wheelchair—but “with a smile that would light up his whole face!” remembers Mike Kelly, CP, Izz’s prosthetist at Lawall.
Jade: The Miracle Within Yourself
Jade was 14 years old when her healthy life took an unexpected turn. Her symptoms started with drooling, blurred speech, being tired all the time, and a loss of balance. As a young teenager she found herself embarrassed and unwilling to talk about her symptoms with others. She was scared and unsure of what was going on with her health. It wasn’t until she was physically unable to eat her dinner one night that her mom took her to the hospital.