Ghana Team May 2013

Randy Roberson (from Birmingham, AL)  is preparing for his 9th trip with Standing With Hope. (May 5-12 2013)   He continues to be a tremendous leader, instructor, and friend. Taking on particularly challenging cases, Randy’s three decades of experience as a prosthetist continues to help us address even the most difficult of patient circumstances.

Randy brings a powerful testimony of God’s salvation in his own life …and he is not only a certified prosthetist with thirty years of experience, but is also an ordained minister. Those two professions uniquely qualify Randy for the work of this ministry …who has served as team leader on several occasions. The most familiar sight of Randy is his ever present sweat-soaked towel draped around his neck (see picture at top of page), as he works with a passion, purpose, and dedication that comes from a man who loves his craft , and, more importantly …loves his Savior.

Nearly thirty years ago, Standing With Hope founder, Gracie Rosenberger, experienced a car accident that left her family and friends reeling as they witnessed a tragic event …and the ensuing 70+ surgeries and multiple amputations that seemed to forever change a young girl’s life.

It did change her life, as well as the lives of a great many others. Help us add more changed lives to the story by sponsoring Randy for our May 5-12 trip to Ghana. (100% tax deductible)

“Why yes, Officer …that IS a box of feet in the back seat. Why do ask?”

From a patient’s actual medical chart:

“On the second day the ankle was better and on the third day it had completely disappeared.”

Did you know that April 21 is “Limb-Loss Awareness Day?”

Me neither.  No, I really didn’t.

My wife’s been an amputee since 1991, I run a prosthetic limb organization, and I just found this out.   Guess it doesn’t get much press.  Kind of weird to put Limb-Loss Awareness Day in April …because April is National Foot Health Awareness Month.

Do you think that maybe they put “Limb-Loss Awareness Day” towards the end of  “Foot Health Awareness” month …as a slap at people fail to take care of their feet at the beginning of the month?  Hmmmm.

Regardless of both of these events, we’ve had a big week …watch the video and see.  After dropping off some more used prosthetic limbs we received this week, I picked up 48 feet (and other recycled components) disassembled by the inmates we partner with at Corrections Corporation of America.

• We even had a handful of arms (if you’ll pardon the pun).   

That’s four-dozen people who will walk on custom fit legs using these recycled components.

Now, we need your help to raise the $2,500 to ship not only those components, but the entire pallet I’ve been assembling today.  On it are:
Prosthetic socks
Knee Units
Additional feet we’ve been collecting from prosthetic companies
Pylons
Shoes
Sleeves/Liners
Other prosthetic related materials

 

We also have a large shipment of prosthetic legs and other supplies coming from a prosthetist in Florida (enough to fill the back of a large pickup truck.)

Shipping is a big cost …and you can help by simply clicking on the donate now button.

On National Limb Loss Awareness Day …in the middle of National Foot Health Awareness month,  help us get these wonderful used “healthy” feet to people suffering from limb-loss.

Together, we’re giving the gift that keeps on walking!


Check out our team heading over in August!

 

Kraig Helberg

Kraig Helberg, a certified prosthetist from Pennsylvania, is currently preparing for his 7th trip to Ghana to with Standing With Hope.

His more than twenty years of experience makes Kraig a critical team member …and his mechanical and technical skills have saved the day more than once while we work in less than ideal circumstances. Kraig’s research and leadership helped us identify a new resin to use in socket manufacturing that is not only saving us a great deal of money, but it also helps the techs in Ghana make better sockets …and fabricate them more efficiently.

As our primary technical adviser, Kraig constantly brings new ideas of efficiency to our system. He has located a new vacuum pump system that we are currently raising support to purchase …and, just yesterday, approached us with a solution to our having to purchase so many PVA bags (used for laminating sockets) . By easily shipping over a small bag of the cellulose acetate crystals  Kraig located, we can combine them with a gallon of acetone purchased in Ghana …to create a “paint” that is applied in the socket manufacturing process that reduces by half the number of PVA bags needed for each leg. Each PVA bag used for laminating a socket costs about $2.00 each (depending upon size). They often break or rip in application …and this new technique recommended by Kraig will save a lot of money in materials …and in shipping.

This is just one of the many ways that Kraig continues to be a valued team member with Standing With hope …and we need your help to send him over in May. Take a moment to give your tax deductible gift of $50, $100, or even better, sponsor his entire trip for $3,500!

At 6’7″, Kraig is the gentle giant the Ghanaians have come to love (and look a little wild-eyed at …when they see his huge frame!) Your donation of any amount towards sponsoring this amazing and gifted servant to work in Ghana is HUGELY appreciated!



Nearly thirty years ago, Standing With Hope founder, Gracie Rosenberger, experienced a car accident that left her family and friends reeling as they witnessed a tragic event …and the ensuing 70+ surgeries and multiple amputations that seemed to forever change a young girl’s life.

It did change her life, as well as the lives of a great many others. Help us add more changed lives to the story by sponsoring Kraig for our May  trip to Ghana.

(100% tax deductible)

 

Did you know that used prosthetic limbs can be recycled? Click here for more information

Recycle Prosthetic Limbs

We’ve heard from many families over the years who called to say that a loved one who wore a prosthesis passed away …and they didn’t know what to do with the limb. Often with great emotion, they ask if we would take the device. One woman recently sent of box of limbs that belonged to her husband …who passed away in 1994!

We need your help in sharing this post with as many as possible so that we can connect to those who have used limbs just gathering dust in a closet. We are so honored that spouses, children, and other family members will trust us with a used prosthesis…and we absolutely will take those limbs, recycle all the useable parts, and ship them overseas to help serve another person. Gracie herself has rummaged through the closet to find prosthetic feet or other materials she no longer uses …and we recycle virtually every part! Prosthetic socks, liners, sleeves, and belt systems …we will take it all. If a shoe is on the artificial foot, please don’t forget to include the other shoe!

So DON’T let a used artificial limb go to waste …and just collect dust. We can recycle the limbs not being used …particularly the feet. Now, with our partnership with Corrections Corporation of America, inmates volunteer to disassemble those donated limbs to help recycle all the useable parts. (Watch the short video below and See the Press Release)

Click Here to Learn More About Other Ways to Get Involved!

Mail The Used Limbs to:

Metro Davidson County Detention Facility
Standing With Hope Program
Attn: Mr. Wilson
5115 Harding Place
Nashville, TN 37211

If you would like a receipt of this donation in kind, please include the name of the individual donating the limb with the device (confidentially maintained).  Also, if there is a shoe on the prosthetic leg, please include the other shoe!

 

So turn that Foot Loose (oh c’mon you know that’s funny!), and recycle that prosthetic limb in order to help someone else be able to walk.

Changing Lives …One Leg At A Time

Seven years ago (January 2005), we launched a prosthetic limb outreach in Ghana …on faith with no training, funding, or support.  After becoming a double amputee, Gracie simply felt a calling in her heart from God to reach others missing limbs.

We built a training program, provided supplies …and since then hundreds of people have received the gift of walking …and hundreds of thousands have heard this story and more importantly, the life changing message of God’s salvation!  We started with one local technician in Ghana …and now there are six, and two additional ones have trained from neighboring Togo.

Now, inmates are volunteering for a groundbreaking program to disassemble donated used limbs that we collect from around the country.  We recycle all components possible …and use them in our work in West Africa.

Below is a testimony from our first patient, Jonathan Anu-Kwa.  Sadly, we lost Jonathan to Malaria two years ago …but, for five years,  he WALKED until the day he went to be with the Lord.

We want to reach even more people …and lift even more amputees up on high quality prosthetic limbs.  We invite you to participate by contributing a 100% tax deductible year end gift today.  Watch Jonathan’s story …and consider supporting Standing With Hope.

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Operation “Foot Loose”

Don’t let an artificial leg go to waste …and just collect dust.

We can recycle the limbs not being used …particularly the feet. Now, with our partnership with Corrections Corporation of America, inmates volunteer to disassemble those donated limbs …so that we can recycle all the useable parts.

We are working to get the word out to keep gathering used limbs, and the volunteer inmates, who really love this program, are working faster than expected …and are asking for more limbs.

Here’s a quote from  one of the inmates who wrote me a letter:  Before I was locked up, I never thought about people crippled in their bodies.  Standing With Hope has not only opened my eyes, but opened my heart.” 

(See the Press Release)

 

We’ve heard from many families over the years who called to say that a loved one who wore a prosthesis passed away …and they didn’t know what to do with the limb. Often with great emotion, they ask if we would take the device.

We are so honored that spouses, children, and other family members will trust us with a used prosthesis…and we absolutely will take those limbs, recycle all the useable parts, and ship them overseas to help serve another person. Gracie herself has rummaged through the closet to find prosthetic feet or other materials she no longer uses …and we recycle virtually every part!

Prosthetic socks, liners, sleeves, and belt systems …we will take it all.

Mail The Used Limbs to:

Metro Davidson County Detention Facility
Standing With Hope Program
Attn: Mr. Wilson
5115 Harding Place
Nashville, TN 37211

If you would like a receipt of this donation in kind, please include the name of the individual donating the limb with the device (confidentially maintained).  Also, if there is a shoe on the prosthetic leg, please include the other shoe!

 

So turn that Foot Loose (oh c’mon you know that’s hysterical), and recycle that prosthetic limb in order to help someone else be able to walk.

(Click below to watch a short video showing more!)

 

An Incredible Journey

Spanning decades of loss, hilarious moments, tears, and unimaginable pain, you are invited to join this amazing journey that rises from heartbreak and tragic loss …to breathtaking views of God’s redemption that will strengthen even the weakest of hearts.

 

 

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Prosthetic Limb Outreach FAQ

 

1. What is the number one cause of amputation world-wide?
   Surprising many people, the number one cause of amputation world-wide is due to complications from disease …specifically, diabetes. All that said, most of the children and young adults we treat lose limbs from injuries . Standing With Hope founder, Gracie Rosenberger, lost her limbs as a result of a car accident. Landmines and war certainly create large numbers of amputees, as well, but limbs with poor circulation due to diabetes create all types of problems for patients …and sadly often end in amputation–particularly in developing countries where medical services are limited.
2. What type of prosthetic limbs does Standing With Hope fabricate?
   Taking in consideration the work and living environments in developing countries, Standing With Hope teaches prosthetic technicians how to build below-the-knee, endoskeleton acrylic resin sockets with a pylon and SACH (Solid Ankle Cushion Heel) foot (or similar type foot). We also developed training clinics for above the knee limbs.
   

   Kraig Helberg showing Alex his new prosthetic limb

3. What is an endo-skeletal prosthesis?
   A prosthesis built more like a human skeleton with support and components on the inside and a cosmetic cover on the outside. This type of socket allows for easy maintenance, adjustment, replacement of feet, etc. Gracie uses this type of prosthesis.
4. What is an exo-skeletal prosthesis?
   A prosthesis that is hollow on the inside with a hard outer surface to bear weight.
5. What is a socket?
   A socket is the portion of prosthesis that fits around the amputated or residual limb (commonly called a “stump”). Prosthetic components are attached to the socket. There are many ways to make a socket including using materials such as wood, polyester resin, acrylic, and thermoplastics. Each of those methods and materials has its own benefits and detractors. For example, a socket carved from a piece of wood is inexpensive but very heavy and usually poor fitting. A thermoplastic socket can be made quickly and for relatively low costs, but requires specialty equipment such as an oven. Thermoplastics are also not as strong and long lasting.
6. What type of socket does Standing With Hope make?
   We use acrylic resin due to its strength and ease to use. Gracie wears an acrylic resin socket, and hers last for many years. They are lightweight, but durable and can withstand the often-extreme conditions in developing countries. They can also be made in a low-tech environment. Standing With Hope uses various resins such as Orthocryl and Eco Lamm that make for better working conditions (no fumes) and these type of resins set up better. Three pieces of machinery are required to make this type of socket: A vacuum pump, a cast saw, and a socket grinder/sander. The clinic in Ghana has all three, and replacements can be provided quickly if necessary. We also have two complete electrical systems (110 and 220) in the event that Ghana’s electrical power is interrupted (happens often). We can quickly utilize the 110 generator provided by Standing With Hope that remains onsite at the clinic …and be back in business within minutes. This model avoids using the large ovens needed for thermoplastic sockets. Those ovens are expensive …and if one breaks, they are not easy to repair or replace.
   Rather than get into the technical steps, watch a short video of the whole process by click on the video at www.standingwithhope.com
   
   
   
   

   Standing With Hope founder, Gracie Rosenberger, helping Emmanuel take his first steps.

1. How long does it take to create a limb?
   The workers in the National Prosthetic Center in Ghana can now create a below-the knee prosthesis in less than six hours. (That is down from the two weeks it took to carve a wooden leg when Standing With Hope arrived in Ghana).
2. Are there faster ways to make limbs?
   Yes. For example, in the USA, computers and machines are used to make the sockets relatively quickly. Computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing has been successfully used in prosthetic applications since 1980s. The principle of socket design, however, has been around for a long time. Due to the lack of hi-tech machines in developing countries, Standing With Hope trains workers to build sockets by hand in a low-tech environment. It is a little more labor-intensive, but there are benefits. The technicians learn a skill that has been around for decades rather than depend upon machines. Devices such as ovens to make thermoplastic sockets, and CAD machines that quickly create sockets are helpful and wonderful … but they are very expensive to purchase and costly to maintain. Taking a different approach that does not rely on technology that is frequently unavailable, Standing With Hope trains workers in time tested principles of socket modification, design, and alignment … in a low-tech environment. Even in the USA, there are many times that Gracie herself requires an expert eye and skill-set in order to properly fit her prostheses. Through the training provided by our experts, we are imparting those skill sets.
3. What is the value of the limb made by Standing With Hope?
   A limb created by the technicians in Africa, using the supplies and training provided by Standing With Hope, is the equivalent of a $7,000 limb in the US. Each limb is developed utilizing the same technique and materials that Gracie herself uses. The greatest emphasis is placed on the socket and alignment. A proper fitting socket ensures comfort, a better walking gait, and less stress on other body parts to compensate. With the advancement of high tech components or conversely less expensive components, the emphasis is often placed on the foot itself i.e. a cheaper foot would be advantageous to developing country. Standing With Hope primarily uses a SACH foot, which has been a long time industry standard with its functionality and ease to repair. In addition to leaders of international prosthetic organizations and suppliers, Standing With Hope relies on the counsel of certified prosthetists who are well respected in international circles. Standing With Hope also leans heavily on Gracie Rosenberger’s own experience as double amputee herself.
4. Who supervises the training of prosthetic technicians in developing countries?
   Standing With Hope recruits US certified prosthetists (CP) to train local workers on building these devices. Each team-leader prosthetist traveling with us has at least twenty years of experience. Our senior prosthetic advisor, James S. McElhiney, has nearly forty-five years of experience as a prosthetist. Mr. McElhiney has served as Gracie’s personal prosthetist since she lost her right leg in 1991, and Mr. McElhiney lost his own leg many years ago. In addition to Mr. McElhiney’s vast experience, our standards reflect Gracie’s and Mr. McElhiney’s personal understanding of limb-loss.
   

   Senior prosthetic advisor, James S. McElhiney working with Ghana Health Services' James Annang.

5. How much does each limb cost?
   At the start, it cost nearly $700, but through training, shipping consolidation, and growth, we’ve been able to cut the cost in half to approximately $350 to provide a limb to an amputee in Ghana. This includes all parts (foot, pylon, etc.) materials for fabricating the limb (resin, carbon fiber, stockinet, adaptors, etc.) and manufacturing costs such as equipment, shipping, and labor. In addition, this cost includes high performance liners and sleeves that below the knee amputees wear. These sleeves and liners are exactly what Gracie herself wears with her prosthetic limbs For above knee amputees, we also provide hi-quality knee units and belt systems.
   There are many ways to make a prosthetic limb, and several of them are cheaper. We feel a responsibility to make hi-quality limbs that will last and perform well in the often-difficult conditions of developing countries. As Christians, we are putting this leg on in order to reflect the Gospel. We want provide the very best we can. We cannot accept placing a limb on an amputee that we know will not last and perform for the patient. As Gracie states, “ I will only place a limb on an amputee that I am willing to wear myself.”
   The patients used in training receive a limb for free and their maintenance is free, as well. For all other patients, the government subsidizes the limbs, and a nominal fee for labor is charged to the patient. That fee comes to approximately $100 for a below knee limb. Many can afford that fee. For those who cannot, the clinic director in Ghana coordinates with Standing With Hope for us to underwrite the costs for the patients …ensuring that no qualified patient is turned away. Our focus is on children and active adults who can return to the work force. The fee is simply for labor of the technicians who work for Ghana Health Services.
6. Can patients in Africa afford paying even a nominal charge?
   Many can afford that fee (See previous FAQ). That is a fee that the ministry of health charges and it goes towards their own expenses. It does not come to Standing With Hope, but instead helps sustain Ghana Health Services’ clinic …so that they can treat more patients.
7. How long does the socket/limb last?
   Each socket is designed to last for a minimum of five years for a fully-grown adult. To date, Gracie’s own prostheses have lasted her for more than six years. Simple maintenance for such things as foot replacement, alignment, etc. , is done at no costs to the patient after the socket is made.

“Pallet-High”

 

For several years, our friend, Bill Clark, has provided us with wooden pallets for shipping supplies.  Bill’s company, ITNOLAP, is located in Murfreesboro, TN.

Bill educated me on what kind of pallet is needed for overseas shipping, and so forth (you know …I’m a music major and they didn’t teach pallet and shipping logistics in college).

Yesterday, Bill showed up with another one…but on this one, Bill used a marker to write: Isaiah 35-5-6 which reads:

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
 and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
 then shall the lame man leap like a deer,
 and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.
 For waters break forth in the wilderness,
 and streams in the desert;

24 hours later …the pallet is loaded, shrink-wrapped, and ready to ship to Ghana.  (We “piled it high” …get it, PALLET HIGH?  Would you prefer “Bali Ha’i from South Pacific …or is that too obscure?)

(Sigh)

Moving on, the piled high pallet contains: pylons, feet, adapters, connectors, prosthetic socks, liners, and all kinds of other needed items.  This is in addition to the materials we sent last month.

We also have a box of recycled prosthetic legs needing disassembling …that we will soon be taking to the local prison where we will launch the inmate work program partnership with Corrections Corporation of America. (watch the video below).

Starting with Gracie (who continues to rest and deal with her challenges), each link in the chain of help reaching all the way to Africa is comprised of broken bodies and broken lives …all connected to reach other broken bodies and broken lives.  We do this to point to THE ONE who was broken for us.

From something as simple as a pallet …to helping with shipping cost, there are so many ways to equip others to continue Standing With Hope!

 

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15

After giving up both of my legs following my car accident, I knew that God impressed upon my heart to reach others without access to quality prosthetic limbs. As great as our health care system is here in America, there are amputees who can’t afford a limb …and so for a while I served on the board of directors for Oklahoma-based Limbs for Life.

Wanting to reach even more amputees, my heart was pulled beyond our borders to developing countries …where not only were limbs unaffordable for most, but in many places there aren’t even prosthetic services being offered.  I shared my with our friends at Wheels for the World, a ministry started by my dear friend, Joni Eareckson-Tada …and they suggested we start in Ghana.  Gulping (actually Peter nearly had a cow at the thought of taking me to West Africa), we trusted Joni’s team …and more importantly Christ …and we launched our prosthetic limb outreach in Ghana. (You have to read the whole story in my new book …it will make you laugh and rejoice!)

Clearly understanding the lifetime needs of an amputee, we created an infrastructure to care for each patient’s ongoing requirements.  We trained (and continue training) local workers to create custom-fitted carbon fiber sockets for each patients, and then used recycled components, feet, pylons, knees, etc… from used limbs here in the US. (Some materials cannot be recycled and have to be purchased new …but we reuse every possible component from donated limbs)

Starting November 2011, inmates incarcerated with Corrections Corporation of America will launch a brand new work program to help us disassemble the donated used limbs …and then we will ship all the components to West Africa to be used to help others walk.

One of America’s most sacred values is independence …and we promote that value by equipping citizens of other countries with the training and resources to build custom prosthetic limbs for their own people.  Contributing to Standing With Hope, you not help provide a limb …but you also:

• Create jobs for local prosthetic technicians
• Make it possible for amputees to return to work.
• Equip children missing limbs to attend school
• Enable a parent missing a leg to raise a family
• And assist people with limb-loss in living an active, independent, and productive lifestyle in cultures where individuals with disabilities are often cast aside.

We lift them up, point them to Christ and watch them go walking and leaping …and praising God.

Bubble Wrap? Really?

Yes …Bubble Wrap! Watch the video for the VERY COOL story!

And Now For Something Completely Different

Here’s a few things we find meaningful, interesting, or just plain fun. We thought you might, as well!

This is a video of Tim Cooper, who is married to Gracie’s cousin, Kristin (you can see Kristin driving the car in the video).
Tim’s a great guy …and we love his voice. This video has absolutely nothing to do with prosthetic limbs or anything else we do here at Standing With Hope …we just like it, and thought others may as well. If you’re a fan of country music (and, since we’re in Nashville …), then enjoy. If not, well …give it a shot.

Yes, Gracie learned to snow-ski as a double-amputee

Our first patient, Jonathan.

A Mishap While On Mission

Tuesday( November 23) took an unexpected turn (literally), when we experienced a serious car accident while enroute to Fort Gordon to speak at a Thanksgiving luncheon.  Although both cars involved appeared to be totaled, everyone escaped with only minor scrapes and a few bruises.

Fort Gordon sent a car for us …and we traveled on to Augusta to participate in the event.  While waiting for the team from Fort Gordon, the paramedics noticed our new books scattered about in the back of the SUV after a box of them opened in the crash.

They all wanted a copy …and so we gave them away to the paramedics who treated a scrape on Gracie’s elbow.  They, along with the witnesses and even the other driver asked for signed copies and pictures with Gracie …so, protecting her elbow, she obliged.

She also signed books for soldiers later, and then the army docs on base took x-rays of her arm to make sure she was OK.  She was released with instructions to rest (which she is doing).

From emergency technicians, to soldiers, to an Imam chaplain …we connected with so many from such different walks of life —while struggling with yet another mishap for us, but also another opportunity to “boast all the more gladly in our weakness so that Christ’s power may rest upon us.” ( 2 Corinthians 12:9)

We have a lot to be thankful for.  Gracie missed three feet from being hit by the other car …and we are deeply grateful that only “things” were hurt.

I thought this video was funny (although at the time it was a little surreal)

Happy Thanksgiving!

TV Clip

Gracie and Peter on Nashville NBC affiliate WSMV’s Midday Report