Cousin Doesn’t Give Up; Finds Help for Amputee
By Jodi Mills Whatever your connection with the field of O&P,
you are bound to come across many people that inspire you and touch
your heart. Recently such a person and her family crossed our path
here at The O&P EDGE. Her story isnt necessarily out
of the ordinary, but it helps to serve as a reminder to us all that
a few caring people can make a real difference in someone's life.
Take a moment to meet Elisa Casas, a lively, energetic young woman
who also happens to be an amputee. Its a story about people helping
someone in need and everyone coming out a winner!
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Barr Foundation recipient Elisa Casa shows off new prosthesis and gait to Keith Ryan Sardo at Beverly Hills Prosthetics Orthotics. |
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Elisa Casas has congenital limb loss: she was born
with proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD). As a child she
underwent amputation, becoming a right above-knee amputee. Between
the ages 14-21, Elisa received medical assistance from Shriners
Hospital for Children, including seven surgeries. Elisa, who was
born in Mexico and lives in the United States, feels the assistance
Shriners gave her during those years was a blessing. Shriners
continued to sponsor her until she reached 21.
Unable to apply for medical aid since her immigration status is
pending visa approval, she seemed to be out of options as she
sought the proper treatment she needed. At age 27, she found
herself in dire need of a new prosthesis and wasnt sure where to
turn. The prosthesis she was wearing in late 2003 had been made
outside of Shriners and was no longer working well for her. It
would seem she had reached a dead end as she faced the possibility
of never being able to afford a new prosthesis.
Fortunately, Elisa has a cousin that wanted to search out help
for her. Luis Valenzuela went on a mission to find relief for his
cousin. In January 2004, Luis began contacting various
organizationsin hopes of finding assistance for his cousin. The
O&P EDGE received an e-mail asking if we could refer him
to anyone that would be willing to take her case.
Help Is Found
Tony Barr, president of the Barr Foundation, was contacted. The
Barr Foundation is a nonprofit organization which provides
prosthetic limbs for amputees who cannot otherwise afford them.
After financial need is established, the Barr Foundation Amputee
Assistance Fund will pay for materials and fitting of a new
prosthesis. Valenzuela and Barr began communicating about Elisas
needs, and the ball was rolling.
Each amputee is obliged to have a prosthetist sponsor him or her
as part of the eligibility requirements set forth by the
foundation. Valenzuela attempted to help his cousin locate a
prosthetist who would be willing to help. Providentially, Keith
Vinnecour, CPO, of Beverly Hills Prosthetics Orthotics Inc., Los
Angeles, California, was willing to get involved. March 1, 2004,
would be his first encounter with Elisa. He found that she was
wearing a prosthesis that did not fit well and had very low-end
components. The socket was loose at the top, and the bottom was too
tight to add the socks. Due to the ill-fitting prosthesis, Elisa
was suffering from back pain and blisters.
In July, Elisa was successfully fitted with a prosthesis, thanks
to Vinnecour as sponsoring prosthetist and the Barr Foundations
generous provision of the components needed. Another company
willing to donate its product was Thermal Techniques of Modesto,
California. Its component, the Heelraiser®
prosthetic foot, is one that Elisa is especially thrilled to have.
"I am able to wear two-inch heels now as well as flat shoes -
something I had not been able to do in the past!" exclaims Elisa.
The Heelraiser is patient-friendly: the push of a button
hydraulically changes the height without changing the alignment. A
relative newcomer on the market, it is getting enthusiastic reviews
from both prosthetists and users.
Elisa also praised Vinnecour for his kindness and expertise in
fitting her with the right prosthesis. "The [prosthetist] was
always so nice and treated me well. It only took a few weeks, which
surprised me, as I didnt expect him to be able to finish so
quickly." Barr also commends Vinnecour for his tireless efforts.
"Keith Vinnecour is a 35-year veteran in the O&P provider
field. He and his facility have been longtime supporters of the
Barr Foundation." Providing prosthetic rehabilitation to
approximately 150-200 amputees annually who otherwise would have no
financial resources would not happen without the support of
prosthetists like Vinnecour and hundreds of other practitioners
like him, Barr says.
Elisa is very happy with her new leg. Her pleasure is apparent
when she is discussing her experience and the outcome. No more back
pain or blisters. She is able to keep up with the five-year-old and
two-and-a-half-year-old children that she cares for daily.
Elisa Looks to Bright Future
As she anxiously waits to have her visa approval finalized, she
is making plans for her future. "The medical field is something I
love. My plan is to go back to school and become a registered
nurse. I would also like to volunteer my time to help others with
needs like mine, possibly for an organization like the Barr
Foundation. It would be one way to thank them for their help."
Thanks go to her cousin as well, who was tenacious in looking
for help for Elisa. Indeed, a few caring people can make a big
difference in someones life. Elisa Casas is living proof, and she
thanks everyone from the heart.
What can be done to help those that cannot afford to replace
their prostheses and do not have insurance or other financial aid?
Take the time to make a monetary donation to the Barr Foundation
and other nonprofit organizations that assist amputees in need.
Every donation, no matter how small or large, will help someone in
need.
The mailing address of the Barr Foundation is: c/o Storage
USA; 3090 NW 2nd Avenue, Suite #693, Boca Raton, FL 33431; phone:
561.394.6514; e-mail: barr@oandp.com
Editors note: Although The O&P
EDGE does not contact organizations providing aid directly on
behalf of persons needing assistance, due to the possible volume of
requests, we are happy to provide available contact information
upon request. 
Table Of Contents - January 2005
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