Fund a Brace to Stop an Amputation!
Donation protected
We created this Go Fund Me page to save Dave’s left ankle!
Dave has struggled with debilitating chronic pain for the past 11 years after his left ankle was shattered in a bicycling accident. We want to help Dave get fitted with a U.S Military grade brace and end the pain he’s lived with for his entire adult life. Not only would this brace restore Dave’s mobility, but it would save him from a below-the-knee amputation!
Dave was a high energy, happy-go-lucky 17 year old high school student when his life was radically transformed by a mountain biking accident in 2004. Always one to roll with the punches, Dave took it all in stride as he adapted to his new lifestyle. He developed new interests and discovered a talent for fixing cars (Volkswagen for some reason), and taking photos. In 2010 Dave combined his passions and launched Petrol Films with the help of SAIT’s LAUNCH business plan competition. After successfully operating for 4 years, he was forced to shut Petrol Films down as the pain from his ankle became overwhelmingly intense and his mobility declined. In early 2015 Dave and fiancee, Lee, were forced to make another tough decision. They would postpone their summer wedding and redirect their savings towards finding a solution to Dave’s chronic pain.
For Dave, an amputation has always been a last resort, but following 3 major reconstructive surgeries, including an ankle fusion, it’s beginning to look like it may be his only chance to find long term pain-relief. When countless consultations with doctors, surgeons, chiropractors, acupuncturists and physiotherapists brought them no closer to a solution, Dave and Lee began aggressively researching every possible solution on their own.
While visiting their second amputee clinic, a military grade brace from the U.S. was suggested as a possible alternative to the amputation. Dave and Lee discovered that the IDEO brace has successfully enabled soldiers with similar injuries to return to active duty. Dr. Ryan Blanck from the the Hanger Clinic in Washington, and creator of the IDEO (Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis), believes Dave is an ideal candidate for his pioneering new brace. The IDEO’s advanced design uses an orthotic footplate that stabilizes the ankle while carbon rods run up the calf and attach to a cuff just below the knee. Each IDEO is custom crafted and have been tested on soldiers undergoing intensive training regiments.
The brace will cost between 12,000-20,000 CAD. The goal is to raise $25,000 to cover the full cost of the brace as well as travel and required accessories (specialized footwear / orthotics). Unfortunately for Dave, Alberta Health Care will not cover any expenses related to this particular brace. The braces Alberta Health Care does cover have made little to no impact on Dave’s mobility and pain management.
Words from Dave;
"After eleven years of struggling with chronic ankle pain and getting mixed messages from doctors and surgeons, I was beginning to think amputation might be my only solution. I was excited when we found the IDEO. It’s funny, but doing everyday normal stuff like getting groceries, or walking our dog, are the things I’m looking forward to doing the most. More than anything, the idea of getting this brace has given me hope that I can be happy again and have the chance to do all the things I used to love.”
Keep up to date with Dave and his journey on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/theSTUMPedProject
Thank you all for your support!
Dave has struggled with debilitating chronic pain for the past 11 years after his left ankle was shattered in a bicycling accident. We want to help Dave get fitted with a U.S Military grade brace and end the pain he’s lived with for his entire adult life. Not only would this brace restore Dave’s mobility, but it would save him from a below-the-knee amputation!
Dave was a high energy, happy-go-lucky 17 year old high school student when his life was radically transformed by a mountain biking accident in 2004. Always one to roll with the punches, Dave took it all in stride as he adapted to his new lifestyle. He developed new interests and discovered a talent for fixing cars (Volkswagen for some reason), and taking photos. In 2010 Dave combined his passions and launched Petrol Films with the help of SAIT’s LAUNCH business plan competition. After successfully operating for 4 years, he was forced to shut Petrol Films down as the pain from his ankle became overwhelmingly intense and his mobility declined. In early 2015 Dave and fiancee, Lee, were forced to make another tough decision. They would postpone their summer wedding and redirect their savings towards finding a solution to Dave’s chronic pain.
For Dave, an amputation has always been a last resort, but following 3 major reconstructive surgeries, including an ankle fusion, it’s beginning to look like it may be his only chance to find long term pain-relief. When countless consultations with doctors, surgeons, chiropractors, acupuncturists and physiotherapists brought them no closer to a solution, Dave and Lee began aggressively researching every possible solution on their own.
While visiting their second amputee clinic, a military grade brace from the U.S. was suggested as a possible alternative to the amputation. Dave and Lee discovered that the IDEO brace has successfully enabled soldiers with similar injuries to return to active duty. Dr. Ryan Blanck from the the Hanger Clinic in Washington, and creator of the IDEO (Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis), believes Dave is an ideal candidate for his pioneering new brace. The IDEO’s advanced design uses an orthotic footplate that stabilizes the ankle while carbon rods run up the calf and attach to a cuff just below the knee. Each IDEO is custom crafted and have been tested on soldiers undergoing intensive training regiments.
The brace will cost between 12,000-20,000 CAD. The goal is to raise $25,000 to cover the full cost of the brace as well as travel and required accessories (specialized footwear / orthotics). Unfortunately for Dave, Alberta Health Care will not cover any expenses related to this particular brace. The braces Alberta Health Care does cover have made little to no impact on Dave’s mobility and pain management.
Words from Dave;
"After eleven years of struggling with chronic ankle pain and getting mixed messages from doctors and surgeons, I was beginning to think amputation might be my only solution. I was excited when we found the IDEO. It’s funny, but doing everyday normal stuff like getting groceries, or walking our dog, are the things I’m looking forward to doing the most. More than anything, the idea of getting this brace has given me hope that I can be happy again and have the chance to do all the things I used to love.”
Keep up to date with Dave and his journey on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/theSTUMPedProject
Thank you all for your support!
Organizer
Lee Head
Organizer
Calgary, AB
