Amy Purdy has inspired millions of people across the world with her seemingly endless resume of accomplishments. For most people, making it through a 2% chance of surviving would be impressive enough, but Amy continues to push past any perceived limits of success. Her story is truly an inspiration, not only to those who have experienced limb loss, but for anyone looking to better themselves and achieve the impossible.

Experiencing Limb Loss

Amy was already a motivated individual at the age of 19, but certain events were about to make or break her attitude towards self-productivity. This is when she contracted Meningococcal Meningitis, which began as flu-like symptoms — and then put her in septic shock within 24 hours. She later lost both of her legs, both kidneys, and her spleen. She would begin moving toward the use of prosthetic devices as soon as possible, and received a kidney from her father two years after she lost hers.

Staying Motivated

It didn’t take much to motivate Amy. Less than a year after receiving her prostheses, she was hitting the slopes! Not only was she snowboarding, she was winning awards while doing so. After placing third in a competition, the Challenged Athletes Foundation offered her a grant that would allow her to competitively snowboard across the United States.

Continued Success

Amy moved to San Diego in 2003. While she continued to work with the Challenged Athletes Foundation, she also explored many other interesting professions. Some of the amazing things Amy has done since then include:

• Actress – This includes everything from Madonna music videos to Super Bowl commercials and winning awards for lead roles in independent films. She also appeared on The Amazing Race and had a historic run on Dancing with the Stars!
• Author – Her 2014 book, On My Own Two Feet: From Losing My Legs to Learning the Dance of Life, was a New York Times Best Seller.
• Modeling – Amy starred in multiple projects, including a very impressive performance with Nikki Sixx.
• Motivational Speaker – Considering all of Amy’s other accomplishments, this one only made sense. Some of the most memorable have been a tour with Oprah Winfrey and a very quotable presentation at a TEDx Talk event in Orange Coast, California.
• Paralympic Athlete – Amy was a prominent figure in the 2014 games, and won the bronze medal in Snowboard Cross.

To sum it up, there is nothing Amy Purdy can’t do! She is a one-stop resource for all things motivational, and we look forward to witnessing her continued moments of greatness.

We Turn Disabilities into Possibilities

BioTech has been in the prosthetic and orthotic industry for over 15 years, and our combination of experience and innovation allows us to help our clients in unique ways. Individuals like Amy Purdy not only affirm what we do, but they motivate us to continue pushing forward. Contact us if you are interested in learning more about our process.

The idea of a personalized prosthesis may sound crazy. Many people view their prosthesis as a simple tool, a method of moving around. However, prosthetic devices create an ability to express who we are that would not normally be available. With an idea and an experienced prosthetist, the limb can become a work of art! But how does it happen?

Why It Matters

The process of getting a prosthetic device can be difficult. On top of that, having people bring it up all the time for whatever reason rarely brings encouragement. Many of our clients have told us that having a custom leg design creates a new sense of individuality and empowerment. We believe that having the power to showcase your personality is a wonderful addition in any aspect of life!

How It Works

When a client decides they want to customize their prosthesis, there are a number of options. The most affordable option would be prosthetic sleeve covers. These allow users to take whatever picture or design they want, and turn them into a sleeve that will wrap securely around the prosthetic. If that isn’t permanent enough for you, talk to your prosthetist about placing custom designs on your next prosthesis! For example, we have created many custom designs out of our carbon fiber prosthetics at the request of our amazing patients, including zebra stripes, camouflage, and of courses, sports teams!

Ideas

There is no limit to what you can have on your prosthesis! It is a part of you, so choose something that describes you the best. Being in the Southeast, we have many people who want to represent their favorite football team. A favorite design, symbol, or even a character from a movie can work. Don’t be afraid to get creative! We recently shared an article on our Facebook page about a girl that traveled the world with a chalkboard-like prosthesis, and wrote the name of each country she visited on her leg. Nothing is impossible, just let the dreams fly!

BioTech Can Help Find the Perfect Prosthesis

We have been working on custom prosthetic devices since 2000, and will always put a focus on what makes our clients the most comfortable. Our number one priority is our patient’s well-being and happiness, and we will do whatever it takes to give you the best experience. Contact us for more information.

Are you familiar with the name Aron Ralston? Even if you don’t think you know him, you know his story. His journey into the canyons of southeast Utah in 2003 ended with an unfortunate accident, resulting in his self-inflicted arm amputation to escape a fallen boulder. His story was described in his autobiography Between a Rock and a Hard Place, which was later converted to film through the movie 127 Hours. But what exactly happened in that canyon, and what is Aron up to now?

The Experience

One fateful April day in 2003, Aron Ralston decided he was going to venture around Horseshoe Canyon in a remote area of Utah. While it sounds like a pleasant weekend, it involved dangerous climbs, and he didn’t tell anyone where he was going. He spent the next five and a half days trying to figure out any way to get out from under the boulder and find help. After almost a week of unsuccessfully finding someone to lend him a hand, he realized he would have to lose his. We will skip the details, but the act was even more intense than it sounds. Even more impressive is that Aron tied his own tourniquet and proceeded to repel 60 feet to find help. The experience touched many people around the world and showed millions how far the human will to survive could go.

Life After

Aron had his autobiography published in 2004, which detailed much of his life with a specific focus on the harrowing tale at Horseshoe Canyon. He proceeded to appear in many entertainment platforms including The Simpsons, Tosh.0, and endless late night shows. The most famous of these ventures was, of course, the movie 127 Hours, starring James Franco. The film was nominated for 6 Oscars and propelled Aron and his story to the front of many conversations. Outside of the entertainment industry, he continues to climb and motivate others. Specialized gear like an ice axe, a specialized gripper, and a prosthesis that holds climbing gear provide more than enough support to take on the mountains. He also uses his newfound celebrity status to support charities and raise awareness for various causes.

BioTech Helps Transform Lives

Our passion is helping motivated individuals like Aron Ralston turn their dedication into tangible progress. We have years of experience in the industry and understand that growth is a constant battle, but one that is worth the fight. Contact us for more information on how we can transform your disabilities into possibilities — together.

Wheelchairs are a wonderful invention that help countless people move faster and more easily than they normally could. While certain situations require the use of a wheelchair and simply don’t allow the option for a prosthesis, there are other times that the option is available — it just hasn’t happened yet. Whether it is due to finance, pain, worry, or other factors, it is not unusual for those who have experienced limb loss to be hesitant about acquiring a prosthesis. Keep reading to learn more about the considerations of this transition.

Preparation

There will be a lot of tests, both physical and mental, before you can move out of your wheelchair, and preparation goes a very long way in assisting with these challenges. There are many different ways to help yourself:

• Plan Ahead – Recognize what you are going through now, consider the upcoming obstacles, and have a game plan ready! While it sounds simple, it is very important for pushing forward in tough times.
• Take Care of Yourself – This should always be a priority, but take extra care of the limb that will wear the prosthesis. Starting off comfortably will go a long way.
• Exercise – Research the specific muscles that will face the most strain, and work towards making them stronger. Understand that various parts of your body will feel new pressures, not just your affected limb.
• Talk to Your Prosthetist – They will have the experience and knowledge to help guide you towards the path of least resistance.

Practice

When you first start wearing your prosthesis, it may be difficult and frustrating. If you push through, keep learning, talk to your prosthetist, and keep a positive attitude, you will see that the experience becomes easier the more you do it. While practicing by yourself, make sure to walk on different surface types and perform various daily duties with your prosthesis on. Stay calm if you experience a setback (like falling) and keep moving forward — persistence will pay off!

Participate

This is important before and after the transition to a prosthesis. Having a community that you can talk to will make the process tremendously easier. Knowing that you are not alone in a situation is always comforting, and this is no exception. Walk with friends, check out sports teams, go to the movies, or whatever it is that gets you out and about. You also want to spend time and have good communication with your prosthetist. They will have perspective and updates that can only be achieved with years in the business, along with solutions to any problems you may face.

Let BioTech Help

Two of the biggest parts of walking on a prosthesis successfully are comfort and experience. BioTech provides the highest quality of both. Our personalized BioTech Comfort Socket System allows us to adapt each prosthesis to their individual owner, allowing for maximum comfort. Our team also has decades of experience with not only designing, but teaching, encouraging, and providing support in whatever way is needed. Learn more and contact us for more information.

Climbing Mt. Everest and reaching the summit is a task that only a select few can say they have accomplished. A miniscule amount of climbers can even make the journey to the base camp, and even the ones fortunate enough to get the opportunity don’t always make it to the top. It is a dangerous mission that is only meant for those who are both mentally and physically strong.

Tom Whittaker is one of those people.

Tom Whittaker lost his right foot after a car accident in 1979. He had already been physically active (he was a rock climber, rugby player, and had already summited Mount McKinley) before the wreck and decided to keep this mentality after. Along with regular workouts, he found which muscles to train that would offset the loss of his right leg and began to acquire a new form of balance. Training to hike any mountain is never easy, but climbing Mt. Everest with a prosthesis had literally never been done before. It would take new levels of determination and strength to reach the top.

Tom had two trips that were cut short before his historical ascent to glory in 1998. The first was in 1989 when he had almost reached 25,000 feet. A storm arrived and killed a total of six people. He would not get another attempt at the summit until 1995, when he almost reached the top. With only 1,500 feet remaining, Tom felt that he was moving too slowly on the rocks to make it to camp by nightfall and had to turn away from his decades-long goal. A friend and member of his crew brought him back a rock from the summit during that trip and told Whittaker to return it to the top for him.

Tom finally reached the summit of Mt. Everest on May 27th, 1998, and carved his name in history in that moment. His wife, Cindy, was there every step of the way, leading the crew into the Everest base camp and managing the monumental Everest Challenge ‘98. Tom Whittaker is not only a pioneer in prosthetic achievements, he should be an example of the truth that anything can be done, no matter what those around you say. It will not always be easy; in fact it will usually be difficult, but whatever challenge we are facing with a prosthesis or otherwise, we know we will be able to move past it.

BioTech Is Here to Help

We exist not only to provide you with the prosthesis and other equipment needed to feel comfortable daily, but to excel at whatever it is you want to accomplish. Our team has years of experience and enjoys seeing the people we work with continue to succeed. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you move your mountain.

Memorial Day is almost here, and with it comes the remembrance and honoring of every soldier that has died in battle. While we are remembering those that are gone, we can still take steps toward helping our nation’s living veterans. Here are a few ways we can honor the deceased while thinking of the living.

Fly Flags at Half-Mast

The United States flag is typically flown at half-mast until noon on Memorial Day. This is done to give honor and thanks to our fallen heroes. If you have a flagpole, take time to research the proper way to carry and raise the flag, and inform those around you if they would like to become involved. Even if you don’t have a flagpole, take some time when you pass a flag to remember everything others have sacrificed and given up for us to be here.

Donate to Charity

Donating to a charity for veterans can help the quality of life for veterans who gave up so much of themselves for our freedom. Memorial Day is focused on those who gave their life, but it is also a great reminder of what has been given up by veterans and their families. Many members of our military have endured physical limb loss, not to mention the mental and emotional toll of battle. Look into the thousands of charities available and find one that you would like to donate to.

Visit a Museum

Museums are a great way of understanding the brutal conditions that soldiers face in war. If you have children that seem to take these days lightly, showing them just how much was given up for their freedom may help them gain an appreciation for our fallen heros.

Thank Living Veterans and Soldiers

It is easy to be viewed as a hero once you have passed, but many of our living veterans do not get the support, help, and thanks that they deserve. Besides donating to a charity or volunteering to help disabled veterans, saying thank you to a veteran or active soldier can go a long way. Care packages can show that you do indeed care, and something as small as a conversation can help show that we do appreciate everything that they have done for us.

BioTech Thanks All Those Who Have Fought

BioTech has worked with many veterans and is thankful for every citizen that puts on a uniform to defend our country. This Memorial Day, we want to remember all the veterans lost in battle, and we vow to continue helping those who have lost a limb in war. Learn more about what we do and contact us today to discuss finding the right prosthesis for you.

Armed Forces Day is Saturday, May 20. The annual event is part of Armed Forces Week, which starts on the second Saturday of May every year. The intention of the week is to pay our respect to all of the men and women who have served for the United States Armed Forces. All branches are recognized and honored on this day. It is the perfect time to focus on and appreciate everything that veterans have sacrificed for our freedom – including, sometimes, their limbs.

The harsh reality of war is readily faced by our brave soldiers, and unfortunately, some of our best citizens are put in rough situations. Thousands of veterans lost a limb in combat or as a result of an amputation after being in Iraq and Afghanistan alone.

Solutions

Fortunately, we are in a time where we can make life as comfortable as possible for those who have suffered limb loss, including our veterans. New technology is constantly being invented which not only makes everyday life easier, but also advances a wide range of interests including athletics and exercise. Prosthetic devices are being made more customizable and comfortable, and continue to improve.

Besides the physical conflicts, many veterans are faced with mental conflicts like PTSD after coming back from battle. There are many treatment centers, group therapies, and psychologists that can assist in moving past this. If you or someone you know seems to be feeling symptoms, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Keep these organizations that aim to help veterans with limb loss in mind.

Saying Thank You

Armed Forces Day reminds us to thank our veterans, but we should carry that reminder with us throughout the year. Both through words and actions, there are many ways to says thanks. There are programs for anything you can imagine. Writing thank-you notes to veterans or current soldiers, donating money to help veterans receive a prosthesis, visiting a VA, and countless other appreciative actions are possible through selfless people starting organizations. If you personally know a veteran, take the time to say thank you throughout the year.

We Thank You

BioTech has had the fortune to work with many different heroes, and we are thankful for everyone who has fought for our country. If you are in need of a prosthesis and interested in finding the best path for you, contact us today.

The Grand Slam Tennis Tournament is about to enter its second stage at the Roland Garros in Paris. After that, it will proceed to New York City for the US Open. While we watch these great players perform, we can also spend some time playing ourselves–even if we’ve experienced limb loss.

Fortunately, playing tennis with a prosthetic leg is fairly easy to do. Whether you are playing competitively or just hitting the ball around with friends, learn how to stay comfortable while playing and find out the right equipment to use.

Why Tennis?

Tennis is a perfect activity for someone who has experienced limb loss and is trying to become more active. You obviously need to feel comfortable being active in your prosthesis already, but playing tennis will help you handle turns, short sprints, and pivots while allowing you to enjoy yourself at the same time.

You can also play at the speed you choose, whether it’s soft lobs back and forth with a friend or a more competitive speed round. Start slow, get acquainted, and see if this is the sport for you. For those who enjoy it, there are tennis clubs across the country that you can play in, and specialized camps for those looking to play other adaptive tennis players.

Preparing

As we said earlier, a large positive of playing tennis is the ability to choose your own pace. The quality of your equipment will change as you become a more active player. Some ways you can help yourself adjust to being more physically active are frequently exercising your core, discussing the parts of your prosthesis with your specialist, and joining a group to motivate you to continue playing. Practice moving in a controlled environment to get adjusted to your equipment and make sure it fits well for physical activity.

Equipment

Fortunately, we live in a time where technology for limb loss is improving every day. Talk to your prosthetist and let them know what you are trying to accomplish, and they will help you find the right fit for you. There is a wide range of athletic prosthetics available, and it is important to match the one that fits you and your goals the best. If you get a new prosthesis, it is important to wear it in for a bit before using it competitively.

Let BioTech Help!

BioTech specializes in using the best and most up-to-date technology to make your everyday life as simple as possible. This includes hobbies and sports like tennis. We want to make sure you have the most comfortable and quality prosthesis, and we will work with you to make sure you achieve everything you want to accomplish. Contact us for more information.