Hi! My name is Calder Hodge. I am 16 years old, and I was born with no tibia bones in my legs. At 2 ½ years old, my family made the decision to have my legs amputated above the knee. I have had prosthetics since that time. With being an above knee amputee, it means that my prosthetics have to have knees in them for me to have flexibility or bending. I have 2 types of prosthetics…my walking knee/feet and my sports running blades. I use the walking legs for everyday activities, but my running blades are for my sports activities (mostly football). I am at a point with my walking legs that I need more maneuverability.

This is where you could help. I am hoping to be able to move from the type of knee to a new type of Microprocessors that are more advanced and durable. This will allow me to have more movement and ability to walk with a smoother gait from place to place (no matter the terrain I encounter). These knees will cost my parents about $10,000 after insurance, and as much as they would like to buy them for me they just cannot afford to pay all of that amount on their own. I am looking for help to purchase these knees and continue working hard to achieve my goals. I am looking for help to assist with cost of these legs.

I want to be able to live my life to the fullest possibilities and continue to develop at the pace of able bodied children my own age. I want to be able to walk from concrete to grass or gravel and not have to worry about falling because it is hard for me to adjust my gait. I want to conquer hills and curbs with ease. The microprocessor knee will allow me to do just that.

It is rare for a kid my age to have prosthetics of this caliber, but I have worked hard to be as advanced as I currently am able to be. The only way I can continue to crush my goals as a young man is to increase my ability to walk. I hope you can find it in your heart to help me in achieving my goals.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Calder Hodge