Prosthesis for my Brother

On November 2, 2016 my big brother Mikey had a traumatic amputation of his left hand. He lost his hand while trying to put out a firework with water. Not knowing that a firework with a wax fuse can not be put out with water, the water actually caused the explosion to happen sooner. That day not only changed Mikey's life, but my entire family.

Prior to the accident, my brother was in his third year studying Industrial Technology at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.   He was an active member of the Pride of Acadiana Marching Band and could play almost every brass instrument, guitar and piano. Music is a huge part of his well being. He also loves to cook and work out.

This will be the first year my brother will not march in the marching band. My parents thought he would have a prosthesis by now, but due to ongoing issues with our health insurance, Mikey's life has been put on pause. My brother is still in college and trying to manage life as best as he can. I watch him struggle with everyday things like tying his shoes, brushing his hair, dressing himself and cooking. He never has a bad attitude and tries to do everything independently before asking for help.

Having a prosthesis would give Mikey his independence back. He would be able to lift weights again, cook on his own, and play his instruments. A prosthesis would boost his self confidence and optimism toward the future. Which I truly believe would dramatically improve his quality of life.

Just like you can not golf eighteen holes with the same golf club....you can not do life with one prosthesis. To get my brother back to a functioning life, he is looking for a socket with an attachment that he can workout with and a myoelectric hand. The myoelectric hand uses electrodes to sense muscular impulses from his limb to operate the prosthetic limb. Both these items together are extremely expensive.

My parents, Jennifer and Jasper Bright, have been fighting with their insurance for over 8 months to cover the cost of the prosthesis. Now it looks as though my brother is going to have to start an appeal process with a different company. I just want my brother to have his life back. I look up to him and admire his courage in so many ways. I have watched Mikey go through a terrible situation and still keep a smile on his face.  My days are never as difficult as his and I just want to help him in whatever way that I can. Mikey has been such an inspiration to so many people through all of this. Please help my brother and parents raise funds for Mikey's prosthesis.

Thank you so much for taking your time out to read this. If you feel in your heart to give, thank you. Please share this page with your friends and family as well. Our family also appreciates your prayers during this time! Thank you again for your time.