Performer Experiences Personal Renaissance thanks to H.O.P.E., Limbs for Life
(article courtesy of KSHB—TV 41)
With sword in hand, Reece Nelson fights off the enemy. If you've been to the Renaissance Festival, you've probably seen Nelson perform.
It's not the sword he holds that makes him so memorable, but the crutch he holds in his other hand. Nelson had his left leg amputated shortly after birth.
Nelson's old prosthetic limb grew uncomfortable, so Nelson opted for crutches for five years.
Living With One Leg
Reece Nelson raises his sword during a performance at the Renaissance Festival.
"Without insurance it's almost impossible for someone like me to afford a prosthesis," Nelson said.
It didn't stop Nelson from doing what he loves.
Nelson's "can-do" attitude inspired his prosthetist to find a way to help.
Horizon Orthotic & Prosthetic Experience (H.O.P.E.) teamed up with a non-profit group to get Nelson a prosthetic limb.
Limbs For Life donated money and the components for the prosthesis and Horizon did the rest.
"The prosthetist designs and fabricates the socket and puts everything together and does all the clinical work with the patient," Horizon Certified Prosthetist Shelli Hale said.
Horizon custom made a leg to fit Nelson's medical and sporting needs.
"His lack of a prosthesis was limiting him and we really wanted to help," Hale said.
Nelson can't believe someone would want to help him, and help his fencing.
He's practicing new styles of fencing that were impossible to use on just one leg.
"With the prosthesis now I'm able to branch out with the stuff I've studied for years and start to really do it so it's very exciting," Nelson said.
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Bioness Rehabilitation Systems
www.bioness.com
H.O.P.E. is proud to be the only Kansas City area orthotics and prosthetics provider to offer the Bioness rehabilitation systems. The Bioness L300 Foot Drop System, and H200 Hand Rehabilitation System have helped thousands of people affected by disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury reclaim the skills—and pride—they thought they’d lost forever.