Ethan's Bionic Hand Prosthesis

I’ve started this page for my son, Ethan. I could go into the specifics of his birth and the heartache I felt, but that would not be in the spirit of Ethan’s personality. This page is for him. Ethan’s right hand is affected by what doctors call Upper Limb Deficiency, which is a fancy way of saying “born without”. He has a thumb and partial pinky on his right hand and he wants to have a bionic prosthesis made to help him be more mobile. At 12 ½ years old, Ethan is very active. He plays basketball, loves to swim, and makes funny YouTube videos. He’s outgoing, kind hearted, and smart as a whip. But sometimes he has trouble with certain tasks. Tasks we take for granted; tying shoes, carrying grocery bags, swinging on the monkey bars. Beyond the daily tasks and mobility, there is a small confidence piece that goes with being different. Meeting Ethan, you would never know as he is engaging and downright hilarious to be around. But at times I can see how it affects him. This would be something that would not only help him with everyday activities, but would give him a self-esteem boost.

Ethan has made an impact on many people’s lives. Family, friends, teachers, and especially the servers he meets when we are out to dinner. He always has a hug, a kind word, or a silly joke to share. He loves his cats, Max and Lil Kitty, and his dog Buddy. He is so full of life and love it makes my heart hurt. I would do anything for him.

I would like, more than anything, to be able to give this gift to him. Unfortunately the costs are beyond my budget. With a high deductible and 30% co-insurance we are looking at a final bill of $15,000.00. I’m confident I can come up with $7,500.00 on my own, but we will need help raising the rest. This is something that Ethan wants very much and I intend to do whatever I can to help him get it.