One small step for health care reform, One giant leap for prosthetic parity...

Doesn't look like the health care bill is going to get passed anytime soon so here's the perfect solution...

Pass HR 2575, the federal prosthetic parity bill.

Think about it. Over 1.7 million people in the US have lost a limb. Losing a limb is catastrophic and when your insurance company considers a limb prosthesis a convenience or a luxury item (yet covers prosthetic breasts and penile implants) it is emotionally, physically and financially devastating for millions of families.

You want tax dollars? Put people in limbs and get them back to work. You want to reduce the drain on state coffers for vocational rehabilitation and welfare? Put people in the proper prosthetic, the one prescribed by their health care professional, and get them back to work. Do you want determined, gritty, can-do people in your workforce? Hire an amputee. This bill doesn't cost money, it saves money. It's a no brainer. Get behind it and pass it.

Speaking of getting behind HR 2575... much to my delight and surprise, I found that Jerry Moran (R-KS, 1st district) co-sponsored HR 2575! Thank you Representative Moran! If he's in your district, or even if he isn't, give him a pat on the back.

Just for fun, I started looking into other state-managed employee health care plans to see if any other states, like Kansas, use the same discriminatory language to limit prosthetic coverage for their employees. So far I've checked Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio and Mississippi. Nope. All covered under medical and many with maximum out-of-pocket ranging about $2,000. Interesting.

More to come.

Innovation at its best

Prosthetic got you down? Can't do what you used to do? Then invent one that will and share it with the rest of the world. That's what Brian Bartlett did and when I saw this knee, my jaw dropped. I have been frustrated with not being able to ride with both legs. I just take off the knee component and ride with the socket on and no lower leg. Rides are shorter, slower, less challenging and obviously limited to staying mounted. But...with a knee like this...I see no limitations!

Prosthetic Parity in Illinois!

From the Illinois Government News Network comes this press release:

Governor Quinn Signs Law Improving Orthotic, Prosthetic Insurance Coverage
Requires Health Plan Parity for Policyholders’ Benefits, Conditions

CHICAGO – December 13, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that will benefit thousands of orthotic and prosthetic users in Illinois covered by private health insurance plans. The law ensures that coverage for orthotic and prosthetic devices is the same as nearly all medical or surgical benefits.

“Those covered by orthotic and prosthetic insurance policies will get stronger and better coverage that is in line with other medical and surgical insurance benefits,” said Governor Quinn. “This new law should provide a greater degree of financial protection and security to those who depend upon these important devices and to their families.”

In addition, the new law will give more orthotic and prosthetic users access to new, technologically-advanced and well-fitting devices. There are over 69,000 people in Illinois living with limb loss and a comparable number of people living with disabling diseases such as Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy.

Governor Quinn signed into law HB 2652, which was sponsored by Senator Antonio Munoz (D-Chicago) and Representative Kevin Joyce (D-Worth). The law goes into effect June 1, 2010.

The new law pertains to health insurance plans that contain coverage for orthotics or prosthetics (excluding foot orthotics). It amends the Illinois Insurance Code by adding a section requiring those insurance plans to provide coverage that’s on par with “substantially all medical and surgical benefits” covered in that plan.

The law pertains to health insurance plans covering orthotics or prosthetics that are issued, renewed or delivered six months after June 1, 2010.

Helping to inspire passage of this new law is the family of 14-year-old Allie Johnson, who was born without a right arm. Her insurance company would only cover one prosthetic for her lifetime. Her mother, Laurie -- who for nearly 15 years has worked with Families and Amputees in Motion and is now its president—has spent that last two-and-a-half years working with legislators and other advocates to pass the insurance parity bill.

“This new law is going to help thousands of Illinois citizens. It will improve their lives financially but, just as important, enable many of them to go back to work and contribute to society in general,” said Laurie Johnson.

Other groups and constituents that rallied in support of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Insurance Coverage Parity law include: Illinois Society of Orthotists and Prosthetists; United Healthcare; Tammie Higginbotham; and Douglas Knight, a member of Spina Bifida Association and the National Federation of Independent Business.

Among those joining Governor Quinn at the bill signing ceremony were: Representative Joyce; Senator Munoz; Representative Jim Durkin (R-Countryside), co-sponsor of the bill; Rep Monique Davis (D-Chicago) co-sponsor of the bill; Laurie and Allie Johnson; and Jim Kaiser, a Member of Families and Amputees in Motion.

Dollars and Sense

Here's an interesting viewpoint  that I came across from Hewitt Associates. [Wikinition: Hewitt Associates (NYSE: HEW), based in Lincolnshire, Illinois is a global human resources (HR) outsourcing and consulting firm delivering a complete range of integrated services to help companies manage their total HR and employee costs, enhance HR services, and improve their workforces.]

Since I'm becoming more than a little jaded after a few years of this fight, I didn't expect a favorable view of prosthetic parity from this company but I was pleasantly surprised. They obviously understand the dollars and cents (sense). It's a little outdated in that 17 states have now passed prosthetic parity into law. Nonetheless, it's encouraging that a company of this magnitude, with a primary focus in managing costs, enhancing HR services and improving the workforce, sees the wisdom behind prosthetic parity. Thank you, Hewitt Associates!

Dear Mr. President,

I don't have to say anything. This video says it all.

How the system is supposed to work

Here's a story that's close to home. This is an example of how medicine and prosthetics should work. When you watch the video, you'll see my surgeon and my prosthetist because this surgery was done right here by the same professionals that helped me after my accident.

You can witness the level of dedication and compassion to provide what's best for this young man who loses his arm to cancer. However, he lives in Missouri, a state where prosthetic parity is the law. Discriminating against amputees is illegal here so he will get the prosthesis prescribed by his physician and demonstrated in this video by his prosthetist.

If he were a Kansas resident, his prosthesis most likely would not be covered. If his parents worked for the state, it most certainly would NOT be covered. In Kansas, this would be considered "deluxe, a luxury item that provides comfort and convenience to the amputee and is thereby a non-covered item." In KS, he would get a hook and a socket, a throwback to World War II.

Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore... (thank God!)

Sound familiar?

Just more of the same. When are we going to meet in the middle? People are forced to buy prosthetics off E-bay in the United States? What's it gonna be? Mortgage the house or go to E-bay for a black market prosthetic?

I also saw a headline today that read, "Will amputees soon have access to robotic limbs that give them virtually superhuman physcial abilities?!" Duh. NO. Not when we can't even access 10 year old technology. Plus, if ignorant reporters who don't have a clue how prosthetics compare to a real limb keep putting these kinds of articles out there, the insurance companies will continue to look at anything even moderately "advanced" as something deluxe and "superhuman." Hey, give me "close-to-human" first. Give me a good socket that fits. Here's what I can do with my "superhuman robotic limb." Stand up, sit down, walk well on a perfectly flat surface, step backwards, sideways, carry heavy objects without the knee collapsing and falling down. Walk pretty well on rough surface, cycle, walk at various speeds and walk up and down inclines. Here's what I can't do: Sit on a bar stool, sit with both feet touching the floor, jog or run, feel my foot, ride with the C-leg on, get near water with the C-leg on. Doesn't sound very "superhuman" to me.

Anyway, back to today's video. This is the best technology available and this is one plucky lady. She's a "superhuman" but not because of her prosthesis.

Why you can't get an arm or a leg

I was doing a little reading this afternoon and came across this report from United Health Care. If you're here reading this blog because your insurance has denied your prosthesis, you should read it. While we cheer the success of states who have passed prosthetic parity into law, remember that there are people out there who don't want you to have an arm or a leg. For example:

Iowa
House passes bill that would mandate coverage for prosthetic devices and prevent insurers from offering high deductible health plans. Despite efforts from the business community and insurers, the Iowa House of Representatives voted to mandate coverage for prosthetic devices at the same level as Medicare (HF 311)...

Nebraska
Legislature hears testimony on mandated coverage bills. On February 17, 2009, the Nebraska Insurance Federation and the Nebraska Health Underwriters testified in opposition to three bills mandating coverage for prosthetics to the extent covered by Medicare (LB 149)...

Virginia
Benefit mandate legislation passes. Legislation that passed this session requires coverage for prosthetics... [KFG: Actually, Governor Rell vetoed the bill so Virginia amputees lost out. Much to the delight of the insurance industry I'm sure!]

The insurance industry is well aware of the push for prosthetic parity and is keeping their people busy making sure it doesn't pass. There are some contact emails on the United Health We-could-Care-less-about-you report. Perhaps you might feel inclined to write them a letter!

Wondering where those premium dollars are going? Sending people to the state capitals and congress to make sure you don't get what you need. What's their slogan? "Healing Healthcare. Together." That's a big ol' warm fuzzy, isn't it? Good to know they're looking out for your best interest, 'eh?

But you don't LOOK handicapped?!

When Dave and I went to our annual music festival getaway this year, I was thrilled to bring my little 2-wheeled electric scooter so that I could zip around the festival grounds. This is a huge festival, in the 10's of thousands of campers, spectators, etc., and we like to travel to various camps to play, so walking is out of the question even for the able-bodied, when weighed down with instruments.

I wasn't on the grounds for more than 5 minutes, renewing old friendships when up comes Barney Fife in his golf-cart, telling me that I couldn't ride my zippy little scooter! I said, "Even if you can do this?!" and proceed to unlock my knee, whip the leg around and put the bottom of my foot up to my ear. That little antic awarded me a trip to the security office where 3 Barney's looked over my scooter to be certain that it had a light and turn signals. Once I passed inspection and kept my witty rhetoric to myself, I was permitted to ride around the campground. For reference, bicycles, golf carts and other devices are permitted. My scooter is smaller than my bicycle.

After this interesting diversion, I went back to my friends, shaking my head. Just as I popped open a beer and sat back to enjoy the vacation and good company, up comes the original Barney. "Do you have some kind of thing you can hang on your scooter to show you're handicapped?" he said. I asked him if he would like me to hang a big red "H" around my neck or maybe tattoo it on my forehead? He said that I would probably get hassled less if everyone knew I was handicapped. I politely reminded me that he was the only one hassling me and that the cat was out of the bag.

Herein lies the rub. This is the same mentality that prevents coverage for anything that makes you more "normal," that provides mobility, that makes you more equal to your able-bodied peers. If I had shown up in a wheelchair and Dave would have had to push me around the fairgrounds, up and down the bumpy gravel roads, that would have been OK. After all, I'm handicapped, so act like it! Give me a cute little scooter and suddenly I'm a threat. What? I can't be mobile and handicapped?

Let's take it a step further. It's OK to provide a substandard "basic" prosthesis. I mean, what do you expect? You're HANDICAPPED. Get out the big red "H." Oh, this other prosthesis with all the bells and whistles prevents you from falling, allows you to walk fairly normally without being exhausted at the end of the day? Oh, sorry. We don't allow that. You're handicapped. Get used to it. It's OK to be mobile, but let's not get too mobile, or start acting like normal folk. You're handicapped. Act like it. Accept it.

That mentality creates language like this:

"If you elect to purchase a prosthetic appliance or device with deluxe enhancements or features such as electronic components, microprocessors or other features designed to enhance performance (God forbid we would want to enhance performance for an amputee!), 'the Plan' is only responsible for the amount that would have been allowed for a basic (standard) appliance. You will be responsible for paying the additional cost of the deluxe enhancements, electronic components, microprocessors, performance enhancements, comfort, convenience or luxury items."

Arms and legs are not a luxury. Why, when we can replace amputated breasts without question, when we can provide a penile implant to sire children, why, why, why can we not provide an arm or a leg? No prosthetic limb, no matter how advanced, will ever come close to the real limb. Are we not allowed the dignity of trying to be as normal and as functional as possible?

The festival was in Kansas and the offensive and discriminatory language above is out of the KS State Employee Health Care contract. Unfortunately, this language has not changed and is in the 2010 contract. Nothing has changed. But then again, you're handicapped. Get used to it. Accept it.

Never...

A kiss or a hug?

These two pictures move me in very different ways. On the left, we see Obama hugging Tammy Duckworth, Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the VA who lost both legs in combat. Click on the photo and you can read the message from the Amputee Coalition of America and the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association urging us to tell our Congressmen and women to support House Resolutions 2479 and 2575. It boils down to this: Amputees want a guarantee that they will have fair access to arms and legs.

I am firmly behind these bills. We are a technologically advanced nation, yet these advancements in prosthetics are not available to the very people who need them. Everyone "ooo's" and "ahhs" over the coverage on 60 minutes because stories like this give the impression that these technological advances are, and will be, there for me and others now and in the future. Unless these bills pass, amputees will not have access to prosthetics that give us the dignity, comfort and mobility that we need.

Now to the kiss - Here Obama is kissing the woman who is responsible for denying me and other KS state employees complete prosthetic coverage. So...what's it gonna be? The kiss or the hug?

I want to hear from you

Since we're in the midst of the health care debate and prosthetic parity, I would like to hear from amputees about what is or is not covered in their state or in their country. What is it like in Germany, Thailand, Switzerland, etc?

If you live in a state where parity has passed, has it made a difference?

Write by leaving a comment here or write me at katmanjo@gmail.com

Health Care Reform...I want to believe...

The debate is heating up. Every night there is news of some congressman or woman getting jeered and booed over the health care debate. I'm not sure where I fall but here's what I learned over the last year and a half.

I have read many stories about amputees denied C-legs. In nearly every case that dealt with private insurance companies, the amputee was ultimately provided a C-leg. Usually the amputee had to provide proof of need, proof of ability, scientific evidence that the C-leg performed better than the alternative and sometimes they had to drag in a Congressman or State Insurance Commissioner, but in most cases with private insurance, the amputee finally won their case.

My case is different because I'm not dealing with private insurance. I'm dealing with government at the state level. In other words, I see the future and it ain't pretty! I already have government run insurance. A Health Care Commission appointed by the governor decides my fate. They have no obligation to respond to my letters, my requests, my evidence, my Doctor, my proof. They pawn this off on the insurance company that manages the state contract. The neutered insurance company conveys the one syllable communication (NO) but they're powerless puppets of the HCC and they admit as much by saying, "The state calls the shots. They control the purse strings."

The State Insurance Commissioner, the only person with the courtesy to reply, said that they have no jurisdiction over the government run Health Care Commission, and besides, the Insurance Commissioner is also a member of the Health Care Commission. Uh-oh! Fox in the henhouse!

Another State government committee decides that providing coverage for my health care needs will cost the government too much money, so it will not be covered this year or next or the next year unless something gives.

So...How do I feel about government run health care? At the moment, not good. Not good at all. I have ample evidence that they don't provide and they don't respond to need or to evidence based logic.

Still, the "government" provides C-legs for war veterans, Medicare and Medicaid recipients. The State provides for Medicaid recipients too. State Employees just fall between the cracks.

On the flip side, I also don't understand why a computerised knee with a plastic and carbon fiber socket costs more than a car. Why does a bilateral above knee amputee have to come up with $120,000 to walk? A familiar cry is, "Arms and legs are not a luxury!" Then why are prosthetics priced like luxury items? Why are prosthetics priced out of the reach of the very people who need them? Are the materials, the technology really that expensive? I'm sure it cost a lot to research and develop the C-leg, but it's been on the market for nearly 10 years. The R&D costs haven't been recovered yet?

Does the market need more competition? A resounding YES is the obvious answer. Functional, affordable high quality prosthetics. What a novel idea.

Lots to think about...

State Gives Employee the Finger: No Leg

Former Governor Sebelius, now the US Health and Human Services Secretary is making the rounds trying to sell the proposed health care plan put forth by the Obama administration. Now - I'll be the first to admit that our health care system is in a sorry state. I have personally experienced it, ironically, at the hands of Kathleen Sebelius.

For sheer entertainment value, watch the video below and listen carefully to her words. "Excuse me, excuse me. The federal employee health system would stay in place, as would other employer based coverage." Then she waves the microphone around as if to say, "Are you people clueless? Why are all these people booing me?"

I'll tell you why, Secretary Sebelius - because you aren't getting it. Where were you when for over a year, you and your Health Care-less Commission received letters from all over the US and the world asking to provide the same prosthetic standard of care to your State Employees that you provide for the nonworking Kansans? Why did you never respond to a single letter, not even a courtesy call? Why, after all those letters, was the contract language changed to become more arbitrary, exclusive, even denying State Employee amputees anything that might provide "comfort and convenience?" All I asked for, after losing my leg, was the prosthesis that my Doctor prescribed. The leg that would allow me to do my job properly. The leg that our service men and women use, the same old leg that's been around for over 10 years that anyone on Medicaid can get.

What I got instead was the finger.

That's why people are booing, Kathleen. Actions speak louder than your hollow words. I've had a taste of your state employee health system and if all you're offering is more of the same disparity, then you can keep it.

Here's how it's done...

Here's a story about a nice man in Florida who worked for the city for more than 25 years. A little over a year ago, he lost his leg due to an infection. All he wanted to do after that was go back to work, but his city insurance only covered 1/10th of the cost of a prosthetic leg. He spent over a year asking for a leg. He said that the 10 months not working were "tougher than the surgery."

The prosthetic company gave him a leg made out of used parts but it didn't work very well but he didn't mind too much because he could at least return to work.

Then, compassionate people, people who "put themselves in his shoes" stepped up to the plate and found a solution. They worked with the City, looked into the cost for the City and found that to provide this dedicated worker with the proper prosthetic leg, the one prescribed for him, would cost so little that they increased the coverage and this nice man got the proper leg. He is thrilled to be walking and back to work. "It's like going from a Yugo to a Cadillac," he said of his new leg. "I don't even think. I just go."

In stark contrast we have the State of KS Health Care-less Commission, KS Health Policy Authority and Employee Advisory Committee who, after 18 months of wrangling, claim that it will cost the state a half-million dollars a year to provide complete prosthetic coverage for state employees. They're still dodging prosthetic parity and continue to deny "comfort and convenience" for state employee amputees. They say, "You'll get a Yugo and like it" or "You can have a Cadillac without the motor and by the way, your insurance premiums are going to increase next year."

Well, good for you, City of St. Petersburg! Good for you. You found what all the other states that have passed prosthetic parity into law - that it costs literally pennies to keep people active, working and healthy.

A Hopeful Story

Here's an inspirational story about a young man, who after losing both legs, realized that other amputees, especially children, aren't getting adequate insurance coverage. When I read about the 6 year old who was denied an adequate prosthetic - geez - how many stories before we say, "Enough is enough!"? How do these people sleep at night?

A relevant and powerful editorial

A friend of mine, a professional woman and probably one of the most intelligent and logical thinkers that I've ever had the privilege of knowing, weighed in with her opinion about what's wrong with "health-I-could-care-less" today. She has given me permission to post part of her message here:

The whole political system is broken. This isn't about Democrat vs Republican. It's about entitlement vs. greed and outright theft. Both are wrong. Neither one sits well with me. Neither one works for me. Is it somehow inherently better or more noble to be raped by the private health care sector interests than by the government? I don't think so. They're both wrong, and if you actually are a productive member of society in any way you're going to be raped by both. That's what is so wrong, and it's just beginning to dawn on people. It's not just health care. It's everything, and the answer does not lie on either side of the aisle. I don't know who it is, but there's a real Messiah out there somewhere. Whoever he or she is needs to truly speak to and look after the interests of real Americans. Americans who work hard, pay their bills, send their loved ones to war, mind their own damned business and do good works within their sphere. We ARE the majority, but no one is representing us. Not only are we the majority, we are the heart beat of the system and no one seems to get that. The real Messiah will have no agenda beyond the welfare of America, which is as simple as the welfare of the core of its citizens. It's that simple.

Signed,

"A member of the no longer silent majority"

Urgent - Connecticut citizens, ACT NOW!

If you are a citizen of Connecticut go here to get what you need to contact your state legislators. Ask them to override the Governor Rell's veto of HB 5021. Write your governor and ask her to reconsider. Your health and independence are at stake.

Honestly - how incredibly short sighted. Here we have states in dire financial straights, dependent on income tax and yet the governor vetoes a bill that keeps people working, independent and off state Medicaid.

The clock is ticking - turn the tide in your state! One little voice in Kansas is rooting for you!

Virginia Governor Signs Parity Bill and Personal Update

This just in from the Amputee Coalition of America:

Richmond, VA, June 17, 2009 – A Virginia bill designed to ensure fair insurance coverage for artificial arms and legs was signed into law by Governor Tim Kaine Tuesday.

The bill, known as the Prosthetic Parity Act, requires insurers that cover prosthetic care to provide meaningful coverage for prosthetic devices and better care for people with limb loss by creating a consistent standard for prosthetic benefits. This removes special caps and exemptions placed on prosthetic and orthopedic care that made these very basic services cost prohibitive for many individuals. Because of its potential to help people with limb loss keep their jobs, take care of their families, and live healthy, active lives, the bill was strongly supported by the Amputee Coalition of America, the premier nonprofit organization working on behalf of people with limb loss.

“Unfortunately, many amputees have nightmarish stories of fighting with insurance companies to try to get the prosthetic devices they need to simply work and live,” explained Kendra Calhoun, president and CEO of the Amputee Coalition. “People pay their monthly health insurance premiums and expect their coverage to take care of catastrophic situations like losing a limb. This is the very reason people purchase health insurance.”

Senate Bill 1116 was introduced by Senator Patricia Ticer (D) with delegates John O’Bannon (D) and Lee Ware (R) sponsoring in the House. It was passed in the Senate by a vote of 33-7 on February 3. It was then passed in the House unanimously, 99-0, on February 24. Sponsorship of the bills was bipartisan.

When Susan Bailey became infected with E. coli bacteria that ultimately resulted in the amputation of both her legs above the knee in 2007 at the age of 23, Virginia didn’t have a law ensuring that she would receive meaningful prosthetic care. Because no law was in place, she ran into problems with her insurance company when she wasn’t able to get the prosthetic legs her doctor recommended. As a mother of two, Susan was given above the knee prostheses that didn’t allow her to walk up and down stairs, let alone keep up with her children. Susan had been paying her insurance premiums and expected to be covered adequately to allow her to get her mobility back.

“Thanks to the leadership of the Virginia General Assembly and Governor Kaine, people with limb loss in Virginia can now get the care they need to get back to work and live independent, productive lives,” said Morgan Sheets, the national advocacy director for the Amputee Coalition. “Spread across the insurance pool, the cost of prosthetic care is less than a dollar per month. Because of the lack of productivity caused by inadequate prosthetic care, the cost to the healthcare system in the long run of not providing prosthetic care far exceeds that of providing it.”

**************

True, true. What does one do in the face of such logic? The right thing or continue to turn a blind eye? If you are a member of the KS Health Care Commission, KHPA or a KS Legislator - you continue to ignore the issue and hope it will go away.

So...a lot of people have been asking how I am since paying half my take home salary in 2008 for medical expenses. I'm financially poorer, physically and mentally richer and immeasurably more savvy about "health-I-could-care-less" insurance.

I got a new socket a few months ago because my residual limb bulked up when I started walking with the C-leg. I'm trying out a new suspension system. When it's good, it's SO good. Quick, responsive - I almost feel like my old BK self. Funny how your confidence soars on these days. I feel strong and invincible. Then there are days that I can't explain - I just can't seem to get the socket right, I lose suspension and am constantly fighting the thing - like a grocery cart with a bad wheel. However, the good days are starting to outnumber the bad and compared to where I was a year ago, it's remarkable. With the new socket and suspension system, I don't lose circulation in my residual limb, don't have the painful muscle cramping and now I can walk all the way across campus and back. It's been nearly two years since the accident. My inability to walk properly that first year thanks to the "basic" prosthetic provided, cost me a lot.

Now I discover that I have significant osteoporosis in my remaining femur from lack of proper weightbearing. The rest of my bones are in great shape, but my right femur is pretty scary looking. Once again, this points out the importance of the C-leg which has been scientifically proven to reduce falls and increase mobility. I will do everything in my power to rehab this bone, since it's the only joint left that's keeping me mobile, on two feet, but imagine where I would be if I were limited to the "basic" prosthesis provided to State Employees? Probably in the hospital with a hip fracture and then to a wheelchair with costly, secondary physical complications. It's crazy making, isn't it?

If I were a pony, or an elephant, or a lizard...

If I had watched this video a year ago, like most people I would have thought, "Wow...isn't that something?! It's a miracle how far prosthetics have come!" When I watch it now, I just chuckle and shake my head. First, the C-leg microprocessor technology is over 10 years old. Second, every time the patient says how comfortable he is with the C-leg I cringe! Don't let them hear you say that it's comfortable or worse yet, convenient! Comfort and convenience are exclusions here. Third, I don't know what planet they live on, but the reporter says, "Insurance companies are now covering the cost." 'Eh... no...

I heard about a couple of other cases here that are so outrageous it just makes a person question their sanity. What makes human beings so inspired when they see an animal with a prosthesis, like Molly the Pony or a baby elephant with a prosthesis, yet we deny amputees the dignity of a limb? I've become so jaded after hearing story after story of people who are denied a medically prescribed prosthesis that I envy Molly and Chhouk - they receive better prosthetic care than a lot of people. For example, one story I heard was about a person who lost their leg at the ankle. They received a prosthesis but complications developed and the leg had to be amputated again, this time right below the knee. After recovering from the 2nd amputation, the insurance company denied a new prosthesis because 2 years hadn't passed since receiving the 1st prosthesis! Nevermind the facts - that the 1st prosthesis was designed to fit the part of the leg that was amputated - denied.

Ah, if only we were lizards and could regenerate our limbs.

Waymon Tisdale Remembered

I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Wayman Tisdale. He was a musician, basketball star and amputee with an incredible spirit and generous heart. After his amputation, he set up a foundation to help children and families whose prosthetics were not covered by insurance. He was a bright, shining star - a beautiful example of courage and grace.