 |
Teen Expands Lifestyle After Amputation
By Alan Kercher  In most ways, Shelby Robin, Woodlands, Texas, is
an active, typical teenager. The 15-year-old is a member of the
high school student council and a competitive cheerleading squad.
She recently received her learner's driving permit and negotiates
driving rights with her mother before their shopping trips.
Unlike a typical teenager, however, Shelby has been an
amputee--and a cancer survivor--for over three years. While her
life has changed dramatically, Shelby is, in her own words, proof
that "There IS life after amputation."
After a fall from a horse, Shelby's injury wasn't responding to
treatment. This led to additional testing at the University of
Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, and the diagnosis of
Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Shelby's left leg was
amputated below the knee.
Shelby's parents, Jon and Barbara, worried about how their
daughter would handle the stress and challenges of fighting cancer
and adjusting to life as an amputee. However, her approach to the
amputation and cancer mirrored her approach to life--face it
headlong and succeed. "As a parent, you try to be a hero to your
kids," said Barbara. "Through it all, Shelby has become our
hero."
Rising to the Challenge
 |
Photo courtesy of Robin family |
|
Fitted with a prosthesis within six weeks of
surgery, the teen didn't simply resume her previous active
life--she expanded it. Shelby resumed cheering--including
participating in first-place finishes with her competition
team--and became involved in modeling. She also played a lead part
in a short film that focused on the spirit, relationship, and
resolve of two young girls who meet in a hospital and forge a
friendship.
Shelby became active in The Sunshine Kids, an international
nonprofit organization focused on creating positive, exciting
experiences for children with cancer. Her enthusiasm, personality,
and understated courage made her a natural choice to become the
first official "Spokeskid" for The Sunshine Kids.
Shelby's role is not only to represent The Sunshine Kids, but
also is to serve as a model and inspiration for the children. Here
is where Shelby excels, according to Jennifer Wisler, director of
children's services. "I think what strikes me most about her is
that she is such a sweet person&She is very courageous and has
such wonderful self-confidence. Shelby exhibits that, and the other
kids pick it up."
"It's great to be chosen to represent the kids and be the voice
for them," Shelby said. "It is a big honor. It's also fun to be in
this setting and meet so many great kids and other wonderful
people."
A girl with an indomitable spirit and a strong support network
can achieve great things. Some of that support was provided by
Endolite North America, Centerville, Ohio, part of UK-based Chas.
A. Blatchford and Sons Ltd. "[Endolite] offered us support and
assistance out of pure concern for our daughter," said Jon Robin.
"That showed us that Endolite really cares."
Shelby was fitted with an Endolite Below-Knee Multiflex System
prosthesis, designed for a child's leg and an active lifestyle by
giving natural ankle motion. Shelby jumps, back-flips, and
cheerleads, using the prosthesis.
For a special event, the school's homecoming dance, Endolite
designed a component that allows for patient adjustment in the heel
height, so Shelby was able to dance the night away in stylish
high-heeled shoes.
"It is an honor for our company to be associated with someone as
special and courageous as Shelby," said Jeff Livingston, Endolite
president.
Shelby's perspective underscores the spirit behind her
achievements: "I am grateful for my family and friends who know
that I'm the same person I always was." She offers this advice to
other amputees: "Just keep working for whatever you're shooting for
and don't ever give up."
For more information about The Sunshine Kids, visit
www.sunshinekids.org Alan Kercher is technical service & education manager for Endolite North America. 
Table Of Contents - October 2003
|
|
