“I do my best to keep my chin up and have a positive mind set and outlook about my injury.”
- Ryan, below-knee amputee
“They handled me perfectly and got me fitted for them to help me to walk and stand better.”
- Jay, Orthotics Patient
patient spotlight
Meet kenny
In late 2022, Kenny and his wife Linda were involved in a near-fatal motorcycle accident resulting in each of them losing a leg. Kenny and Linda were in the hospital for months, and their life on the water became uncertain. After undergoing hundreds of operations and countless physical therapy sessions, the couple came to Reach OPS for their prosthetic care. Due to their level of activity both on and off the water, our prosthetists outfitted them with the “Cadillac” of the microprocessor knees: Ottobock’s Genium-X3.
Thanks to his determination and community support, Kenny is back on the water, catching his limit in crabs. Recenly, the power duo competed in the Chesapeake Cowboys boat docking competition.
They deserve this spotlight with their incredibly inspiring story of work ethic, resilience and determination. We are honored to be a part of their journey and incredibly proud of them!
patient spotlight
Meet derby
March 20, 2021 - a day that forever changed my life and threatened my independence. While driving Rte 58 in Suffolk, my husband, Doug, suffered a cardiac incident. In minutes, our truck was in the ravine, submerged in several feet of cold water, with the passenger side demolished. I suffered multiple orthopedic injuries and traumatic amputation of my right arm and 2 toes on my right foot. Thanks to an incredible team of first responders, Nightingale Air Ambulance, and the amazing orthopedic trauma team at Sentara, I survived.
I owe so much to the people that day but it has also been those that have been on my journey of recovery with me that have given me my mobility and independence back. One of the first people who was there to begin helping me answer the questions of “what’s next” was Matt Zydron with Reach O&P. We began talking in the hospital about the possible- never once did I hear impossible. As an upper limb amputee- a new definition for me- I was introduced to the concept of myoelectric prosthetics. I wanted the promise of that technology and the renewed dexterity it would provide me. I was determined and Reach was dedicated to getting me the best possible arm- I even have paw print designs on my arm (my only tattoo). It has been an adventure with bumps in the road, but Matt and his team have been by my side the whole time. I often refer to the key healthcare providers in my life as my team and Reach is definitely on my team!
Today, I enjoy the use of my right arm whenever possible and have learned the ability to use muscle contractions to create movements that are useful to me, including hand movements. It has not been easy but the outcome today compared to my worst fears on March 20, 2021 is simply miraculous.
patient spotlight
Meet Sergeant John
In 2008, John was deployed to serve overseas to the Diyala Province of Iraq. In January 2009, the vehicle that John and five others were traveling in encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). John took the brunt of the impact and sustained multiple injuries. After an emergency surgery in Iraq, John was sent to Germany and then to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C. for further treatment.
The impact resulted in breaks to both of John’s tibias and fibulas. In addition, both ankles were shattered as well as three frontal bones in his right foot; his left heel was shattered into over 60 pieces.
Five months after the event, John developed septic shock from an infection in his left foot and the decision was made to amputate his left leg below the knee. John’s right leg did eventually heal but requires the assistance of an ankle-foot-orthotic (AFO) to provide ankle support.
John says, “I won’t let [amputation] slow me down. I can do anything I want, I just have to figure out a new way to do the things that I love.” And John does continue to do all of the things that he loves including hunting, fishing and golf.
John maintains a variety of specialty prosthetic devices to accommodate his active lifestyle. His collection includes a climbing leg, swimming leg, pivoting golf leg, and even a bionic ankle. Reach prosthetist, Matt Zydron, fit John with a new prosthetic socket, resulting in better comfort and reduced risk of injury to his residual limb. Matt also fit John with the Arizona AFO, providing improved support for his right ankle.
His advice to others: “Keep your head up! There is nothing you can’t do, and keep a positive attitude. Put your mind towards doing it every day.”