Trip to Shriner's Tampa, FL

So, we've been gone for a very long time! Toby had an appointment with the Shriner's hospital down in Tampa to get fitted for a prosthesis. For any of you who don't know, Toby was born as a congenital amputee, LBE, or missing left arm below elbow. Nothing stops the kid, and he can maneuver his "little arm" precisely enough to be a master Game Boy player! But he decided he would like a prosthesis to help with bike riding balance. For now, that's all his interested in using it for, although he likes to put it on and show people. We arrived to Shriner's on June 4th, and kept ourselves busy playing Pokemon cards and making friends with the pet therapy people!
Next, Mr. Danny made a cast on Toby's little arm to begin the prosthesis mold.




He had to bend it and hold it just so while it was drying for the correct angle of the elbow bend in the prosthesis. Mr. Danny was amazing, and made us all feel like family! About 2 wks later, we got to pick up the finished product.

The prosthesis has a harness system that is secured around his other arm and on his back. It is adjusted to pinch together when he pulls the prosthesis forward. For Toby it will be a great tool, and we are so blessed to have the opportunity to go to the Shriner's Hospital. When you see your Shriner's with their fez hats asking for donations, pull out your money! They treat everyone for FREE, up until age 21! This is such a blessing for us, and I know other parents who would otherwise have a worry of money, or insurance claims, on top of the worry of getting the right treatment for your child. Hopefully we'll have pics this weekend of Toby riding his bike!