A Prosthetic Arm for Caleb

Growing up a triplet in a family of seven children, being born without his left arm was never a disability for Caleb. He could swim, ride a bike, climb a tree and do everything other kids his age could do. Due to limited resources and health insurance restrictions Caleb has not had a prosthetic arm since he was about 4 years old.  This had never prevented Caleb from doing the things he loves to do or pursue the career of his dreams. Caleb has been a makeup artist for the past 15 years.

Now Caleb has persistent pain in his back and in his right hand, a result from overuse and the beginning of carpal tunnel syndrome. These issues aren’t fully preventable, even with the physical therapy Caleb is doing, unless he can rely on another arm to support his body and help the over-use of his right hand.

Caleb didn’t realize this was in the realm of possibility for him. Inspired by another who has a fully bionic arm the realization stuck that he could be able to use his body like he was never able to before. Most importantly, he can off-set the health issues he is currently facing.

He did months of research, all the while thinking this was something he could never afford. That is, until he had the a consultation with a physician that would provide the information needed for his health insurance to approve the prosthetic. He got to see the prosthetic pieces, the parts he’d need and how it would work for him. Until he had to leave his job of 5 years.

Caleb’s insurance was through his employer. With increased premiums, his family is helping as much as they can by paying his COBRA premiums to continue his health care coverage. They can’t see him miss this opportunity to gain the use of a prosthetic arm.

The insurance isn’t enough, though. Along with the deductible he will need months of physical therapy to be able to use his arm as if it were the one he never had. 

Ultimately, the prosthetic will negate harmful effects of only using one arm his entire life and it will give him the use of a right arm of the rest of his life.

While we can not expect everyone to be able to contribute financially, a simple share and spread of the word can help Caleb to get this life-changing prosthetic.

Thank you to all of you willing to help.