Range Of Motion Project Aids 48 Ecuadorian Amputees
Certified prosthetists David Krupa and Eric Neufeld along with attorney Josh Kaplan created the non-profit organization, ROMP in response to the shortage of programs that assist people in need of prosthetic and orthotic care. ROMP provides prosthetic and orthotic care to individuals in developing regions at no cost.
Early in February 2006, David and Eric traveled to Quito, Ecuador to join a team of 3 volunteer prosthetists, 2 technicians, a surgeon and support staff to work alongside local practitioners and technicians to cast, design and fit 48 prosthetic limbs at no cost to Ecuadorian amputees. Manufacturers including Becker, Ossur, SPS, Friddles and O&P Enterprises donated prosthetic components while critical funding was provided by private donors and the Barr Foundation. To date the Barr Foundation has contibuted to enabled 87 prosthetic fittings in Ecuador.
The mission, 'Prostheses for Ecuador' is an annual project sponsored by the local Ecuadorian organization, Fundacion Hermano Miguel who advocates for disability rights and provision of care to the poor. Most patients seen at FHM were under 45 years old and had suffered from traumatic injury or accident. None had sufficient funding or insurance to cover the costs of prosthetic rehabilitation. 'Prostheses for Ecuador' is the last and only resort for many, therefore the generosity of individuals and institutions within our industry is all that remains to combat these inequalities.
A Special "Thank You" To
Becker, Ossur, SPS, Friddles and O&P Enterprises
For All Your Donated Components.
