Baker Orthotics & Prosthetics

Doyle Kolar
Decision of a Lifetime

Age: 48, Left Transfemoral Amputee

"I am a momma's boy and she brought me through a lot of this…" My parents have always been good to me and my siblings; if we wanted something, we got it. Motorcycles were a big part of my life growing up. My parents and brothers always rode motorcycles together as a family. At age 13, I got my very own motorcycle. It was a 1975 Harley Davidson dirt bike. 'I was so proud of that bike."

On May 4, 1975, my brothers, two cousins, and I were out riding trails and small roads around our home. We spent the entire day having fun and riding. On the way home that evening, everyone was up ahead of me as I lost sight of them around a curve. When I got to the curve, a car was coming at me in the middle of the road. I was hit by the car and knocked off my bike, sustaining a compound fracture of the tibia. I wore a cast on the leg for many months and then a custom-made conventional metal AFO that was made by Baker Brace. I tried for two years to get the non-union fracture to heal and underwent multiple surgeries that included bone graphs, as well as plates and screws to the fractured leg. I later had to have several surgeries to the involved leg to repair badly damaged meniscus in the knee joint. Through all of these surgeries, life was hard to deal with. "Everyday was a painful day since the age of 13." I worked as a hand on a dairy farm to make ends meet, but it became harder and harder due to the pain and the time missed for surgery. After having seven surgeries to repair the damaged knee joint, it was decided that I needed to have a total knee replacement. At the age of 39, the knee replacement was done to try and eliminate the pain I was having on a daily basis. After the total knee replacement surgery was complete and healed, I was only able to achieve 90 degrees of bend in the knee. I was working as a welder to help support the family, as this required less walking than dairy farming, but was still having lots of pain and discomfort in the involved left leg. On August 2001, I fell and broke the artificial knee that had been implanted. My orthopedic doctor wanted to redo the total knee, but had informed me that I would lose 75-80% of movement in my leg and that I would be over an inch shorter on that side after surgery. I was not willing to do that. "Nothing we have done so far has gotten me out of pain." "Over 25 years of pain and surgeries is enough, I am done." I told the doctor that I needed one more surgery from him...an amputation.

At age 41, on December 21, 2001, I had the above knee amputation done. I wouldn't consider myself a religious man, but the day after they took my leg, I prayed for God to put someone in my life to help me through this. The next day, two days after surgery, Gordon Stevens walked into the hospital room and handed me a Baker note card. I told him that I used to go to Baker Brace as a kid for my braces and that I wanted to go back there now that I am an amputee. Ten days later I was in the ortho doctor's office to have the stitches removed from my leg. I brought him back 194 of the 200 pain pills I was taking every month. "After the pain of the incision went away, I had no more pain in my leg." "Why couldn't they have done this 10 years earlier?" As far as I am concerned, my orthopedic doctor is a grand orthopedic surgeon and gave me the best chance at a pain free life.

Once my residual limb had healed and the swelling had gone down, I began going into Baker O & P to have my prosthesis built. Kathy, the front receptionist, was the first person I met when I went to Baker. She and all the other staff there at Baker O & P were exceptionally welcoming and friendly. Gordon Stevens built my first prosthesis and fit me with a Total knee from Ossur. After having years and years of physical therapy to strengthen my knee after the accident, I refused formal therapy with my prosthesis. I know now that it was probably a mistake on my part, but Gordon understood and essentially rehabbed me himself. "Gordon is a miracle worker in my mind; He has very special hands." My first prosthesis lasted for a year and a half and allowed me to go back to work as a welder and building cattle guards. For my definitive or second prosthesis, Gordon introduced me to the C-knee by Otto Bock. My first question to Gordon was, "does it lock?" I didn't know if I wanted a knee that does not lock as my first one did. Gordon was persistent and told me to at least just try the new knee, as he felt it would benefit me the most. Gordon set me up with a new skin-fit suction socket and a C-knee. He had me come into the office every two weeks to practice walking and learn to use the new prosthetic knee. Once day he told me I couldn't have my old Total knee back. Again Gordon knew what he was talking about. "Today, I wouldn't take anything for my C-knee." I am now wearing my second C-knee and have been wearing it for nearly 3 years. Together with Gordon's socket and my C-knee, I have a near normal life as possible. "Gordon freed me, and nothing can come between us." "I feel like Gordon literally taught me to live again. It sounds silly, but I thought my life, as a man, was over." I am now back to doing the things I love in life, such as hunting, fishing and watching PBR.

I continue to go see Baker O & P whenever I need adjustments or to have a new socket made. I also participate in educational courses held for Baker employees when new components are released for testing. I get very emotional when trying to tell my story because of my intense appreciation and gratitude for the people that make up Baker company. The people at Baker O & P have become my friends, not just my prosthetist. I have met countless amputees that have been told to ‘just get used to the pain' or 'that's just how it is', my response to them is, "no it doesn't have to be that way". "Go see anyone at Baker." I have found that the people at Baker O & P are there for the patient no matter what their condition or income level. "They are about more than the almighty dollar and I believe that with everything in me." It shows through everyone down to the technicians, that they really do have a heart. I feel and know that if it hadn't been for Baker O & P, I would have missed out on a lot in life. I can truly say after 8 years of wearing a prosthesis, it was the "best thing that ever happened to me."

Malvern Hasty
Overcoming the Odds

Age: 73, Bilateral Transtibial Amputee

December 28th, 2004, started off like any other for Mal Hasty of North Richland Hills. With less than two months to go until his 67th birthday, flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath, and a dull pain in his left shoulder sent him to Grapevine Hospital. This was unusual for a man who had been a football referee for 43 years and had almost never been sick a day in his life.

Days of tests confirmed that, while his heart was working well, he had an infection of Streptococcus A that was centered near his left shoulder. Treatment for those sicknesses, plus the pneumonia he contracted in the process, sent Mal into a coma for 4 weeks. He awoke in early February to hear the story from his doctors and family about the time that passed in the new year and how his circulation had since been compromised. Mal heard the news that "last resort medications" were required. These medications were known to inhibit blood flow to the extremities, and Mal experienced just that.

Despite hypobaric treatments in Decatur and other intense efforts to save the limbs, Mal eventually had both legs amputated about 7 inches below the knee. He also lost most of the sensation in the tips of his fingers. He found out later that the published survival rate for this kind of infection was zero. At one point, his children were advised to begin planning for a funeral.

Including inpatient rehabilitation, the total time he spent in the hospital was 7 months. During this time, Baker fit him with a pair of preparatory prosthetic limbs, and he was visited by family members every day but two.

Today, Mal lives independently. Though he received a wheelchair after finishing therapy, he is proud to report that he has not used it even once. He is active in his church and has traveled abroad multiple times, including to Romania.

Mal is periodically asked to share his story publicly. The speaking inspires audience members of all kinds and often transcends to the level of motivational speaking. Mal readily thanks the Lord for his progress through adversity.

"God's presence in my life has made a major difference as He helped me accept the loss of my legs and the use of my prosthetics." He advises new prosthetic users not to, "let the prosthesis determine what you do: You determine what you want the prosthesis to do for you."

"A person's attitude determines how far they can achieve with a prosthesis," advises Mal.

An avid fitness proponent, Mal works out most every day. He is approached at the gym almost every time he goes there by curious observers of his condition and prosthetic limbs.

Mal currently uses Tallux Feet, 3mm cushion liners, knee sleeves, and rigid sockets with an expulsion valve in each. He rarely uses socks and prefers athletic shoes to any other.

Alicia Payne, CO, LPO, in his attending prosthetist. Says Mal, "Alicia's professionalism in her youth is profound. She's accommodated all of my needs." Mal concluded, "She's a keeper."

In July of 2008, Mal returned to Stone Mountain, outside his childhood home of Atlanta. As a younger man, Mal made a habit of hiking quickly up to the peak of the ancient, all-granite structure and then race back down to the bottom. He would time himself and try each time to shave precious moments from the last attempt. His record time for traversing the 2.4 mile round trip was under 24 minutes.

After being sick and overcoming the loss of both legs, Mal questioned if he would ever be able to again climb to the granite peak looming silently over the treed skyline.

This past summer, backed by his brother, grandchildren, and other related proponents, Mal started up the mountain. Unlike before, though, he carried with him two prosthetic limbs, two walking sticks for balance, and the determination and faith that had seen him through trying times in recent years.

Amidst tourists, crushing summer heat, and the constant click of curious cameras, Mal crested the top of Stone Mountain. From the starting point, his time topped 3 hours to the peak and back to his starting point.

In retrospect, Mal expressed relief at having accomplished such a feat of physical stamina. While he may not return to climb the Stone Mountain anymore, he will know for the rest of his life that he didn't let sickness or the loss of two limbs stand between him and his accomplishments.

Antonius "Deuce" Martin
Redefining Self

Age: 39, Right Transhumeral Amputee

Today, Antonius "Deuce" Martin epitomizes an under-spoken nature.

This demeanor belies his previous career as an NBA shooting guard with the LA Clippers and as a star player Avia's Tour Team that played overseas. When 6' 6" Deuce finished his professional athletic career, he returned home a world traveler.

He transitioned to life outside of professional athletics and began a career involving the manufacturing of military equipment and vehicles. It was in this setting that his life changed instantly and irreversibly.

On January 11, 2007, Deuce was attending to duties in the train yard where heavy equipment is secured on to trains and shipped to customers over great distances. While standing near the tracks, a moving train caught his right arm near the elbow and deposited half of his arm on the ground at his feet.

Deuce felt no pain at the time of the injury and cannot say with certainty what on the train caught his arm. At the moment he realized what had happened, with the same long train still speeding by, he dropped to the ground and expressed thanks that his injuries were not worse.

He was airlifted to Parkland Hospital in Dallas where his wounds were cleaned up and surgeons carefully completed the transhumeral amputation the train so hastily began. After two weeks of recovery, Deuce was transferred to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth to be closer to his family. While there, Gordon Stevens was notified of his presence and went for a visit. Deuce left JPS with a vision for rehabilitation.

In a matter of a few months, Deuce was fit with a diagnostic prosthesis. In the early summer of 2008, Deuce was fit with his current prosthesis comprised of an anatomically contoured transhumeral socket, Otto Bock Dynamic elbow, myoelectrically controlled wrist and sensor-speed hand.

Says Deuce of Gordon, "Working with Gordon is like working with your friend. You can talk to Gordon about anything. He's a good man."

"The arm really helps," said Deuce who lived for over 30 years as right-hander. He has learned to become left-hand dominant. He now cooks, drives, and otherwise lives independently.

Deuce spends much of his time coaching Pee-Wee League Football and Basketball for 7 and 8 year-olds, including his son.

His long term plans include coaching for progressively higher aged sporting abilities as his son's own abilities grow. Deuce hopes to some day to establish his own foundation for kids to help them identify and reach their goals.

When asked the impact these events have had on his life, Deuce said softly, "My prosthesis is my shield: I feel more whole now," than before the amputation. "Now I can talk to people. Now I can walk with pride"

"I'm thankful for every day I wake up now," Deuce concluded. "I feel blessed."

Deuce is also a writer. He has written his own story in the form of a book. He submitted this sample of his writing style for use with this biography: "Just like a fire that was put out with little smoke remaining in the air, Baker Orthotics & Prosthetics came into my life after my most painful and darkest storm. They not only answered my prayers, but the Dynamic Arm with the Myoelectric Hand that Baker Orthotics & Prosthetics made for me gave me a peace of mind, confidence, and a new look at life. I know my soul is among lions, but as I walk the earth daily having my prosthetic on, it's my protective gear knowing God is real, plus it makes me whole like a warrior with his shield. There's no job I would run from."

"Thanks Baker for rescuing me, I love you all." --Antonius "Deuce" Martin

Lynn Plumley
Triumph Over Injury

Age: 61, Right Transtibial Amputee

Lynn Plumley is an energetic and outgoing individual whose unforeseen accident landed her here at Baker Orthotics and Prosthetics. This is her story:

On May 24, 2007 my morning started out like any regular morning. It never occurred to me that in just a few short hours, my life would be changed forever. I was cleaning a window on my two story house, as I have many times in the past four years. To me it is just part of my job, keeping up my house and property. This particular day was different only in the fact that while cleaning, I dropped my razor. As I bent down to pick it up, I knew I was in trouble. I lost my balance and fell 12ft from my roof. I tried to catch myself and my heels caught the brunt of the impact. My heels disintegrated beyond repair. I immediately went to the hospital and it took four hours before finding a trauma doctor that could treat the severity of the injury. I remained in the hospital for the next nine days. I was released to go home, but was scheduled to return to Harris Hospital on June 18, 2007 to start the surgical reconstruction on my shattered heels. Dr. Collinge was going to do the surgery, but informed me and my family that there is a chance that infection will be an issue due to the fact that I am a smoker and also have sleep apnea. The plan was to put pins and screws into each heel bone.

After the reconstruction surgery, I returned home to my hospital style bed, which I stayed in for the following 6 months. I saw the doctor once a week for check ups on the surgical sites. Dr. Collinge took very good care of me, but there was only so much that could be done. It was a matter of waiting to see what would happen.

Infection did set in and my right foot had to be amputated below the knee on September 5, 2007. Even with the infection gone following the amputation, I still had a long recovery in front of me. Not only did the right BKA have to heal, but we were also waiting to see if the surgical repair of my left heel was successful.

Sometime in October 2007, my sister Reta, took me to a local prosthetic facility to start the process of making my first prosthesis. One week later I returned to the prosthetist to try the prosthesis on for the first time. In December I went in to take delivery of my new leg. Dr. Collinge had given me permission to start taking a few small steps daily and to slowly increase it to a few more steps each week. By mid January 2008, I was able to walk 3-4 hours per day with the use of a cane. By the time I completed therapy with the prosthesis, it had become a regular routine to return to the prosthetist on a weekly basis "to get the glitches worked out".

After several months, I was in for follow up with Dr. Collinge, when he remarked that I should have progressed and be walking better than I was able. He said that he feels the prosthesis is not fitting correctly since I am experiencing so much pain when walking. I returned to the prosthetist to relay what the doctor had told me. I was told that I "would adjust to the prosthesis that it just takes time". After many more long painful months of trying to adjust, I was not improving. The pain was also getting worse in my back and in the left foot from having to put most of my weight through it when walking. At follow up appointments, I continued to tell the prosthetist that it is not getting better and that the right leg is longer than the left. Repeatedly and in response to every complaint, I was told "You will have to adjust".

In July 2008, I was in to see Dr. Collinge for a follow up. He was very disturbed at the way my residual limb looked. I had developed a large knot at the bottom of the stub along the front bone. He sent me straight to the prosthetist to have the socket adjusted or replaced. I was told at the prosthetic office that it looked like I needed to have Dr. Collinge do more surgical work on the bone. Upset, I returned to Dr. Collinge and he told me that the knot on my leg was from a poor socket, not surgery. The next trip to the prosthetist resulted in them keeping my leg for a week to work on it. When I did get it back, it did feel better than before, but after a few short hours I was having a great deal of pain. Some days I chose not to put the prosthesis on because it hurt too badly. Even on good days, 3 hours was all I could wear it before having to take it off.

It was now October and I was going once or twice per month to have the leg adjusted. This went on for many months until I decided that this must be the way things were going to stay. On my last visit that prosthetic company, I was told that a new foot would help me and that it would cost me another $4000.00. This option was not acceptable, as my insurance had lapsed shortly prior to this. I asked if they knew of anywhere I could get financial help and was told that they knew of none. Defeated, I knew then that this is how the rest of my life would be spent. Not being able to play with my grandchildren, no Christmas shopping, working in by flowerbeds or mowing the yard. Nor would I be able to help take care of my 84 year old mother. The thought of "not being able to work a normal job took a toll on me both mentally as well as physically".

One day my brother, Jerry, called and asked me to go meet a man (Junior) that he had met some time ago, but only recently found out he was wearing a prosthesis. Jerry told me that he never knew Junior was wearing a leg until one day he saw him in a pair of walking shorts. Jerry told Junior about me and all the problems that I have been going through with my prosthesis. Come to find out, Junior had spent the first three years after his amputation in the same prosthetic company that I was going to and had very similar problems. I finally met with Junior and seeing the way he walked made me ‘sick to my stomach in a good way'. You might even say I was jealous. Junior had the solution. He called Gordon Stevens at Baker Orthotics and Prosthetics and told him of my situation. I called two days later and set up an appointment to be seen.

Reta drove me to Fort Worth for my appointment. Mr. Stevens spent two hours with me, getting down on the floor to make the markings and mold my leg for a new prosthesis. We could not believe that he did all of this himself. I was still reluctant to believe that this time it could be different. When my sister and I got back into the car, I broke down crying. I told my sister that I can't get my hopes up only to be let down again. My sister looked over at me and said "this isn't only just a job to him, I could see in his eyes and voice that he cares." "He genuinely cares about the problem and wants to fix it."

The visit next week was the ultimate visit! I was able to put on the temporary leg. It went on much easier than my other leg. I started walking, taking short steps in the parallel bars while he coached me. We proceeded into the hall, where after a few trial walks I was ready to take on the world. The limp that I had before was gone and the pain in by back was not there. The pain in my left foot was also minimized from not having to carry the majority of the weight as before. I am a true believer that Gordon has given me back my life mentally and physically.

On Labor Day I was able to run across the yard and play with my 3 year old great-granddaughter. I am finally back to doing all of the things I did before the injury and can proudly say that I am even cane free again. Since getting my new leg I am back to climbing the ladder to work on the new roof for our house, bending over to pick peas and weed the flowerbeds, mowing the yard and most importantly, helping take care of my mother. I could not be more pleased with the outcome of Gordon Steven's work.

"God Bless You, Dr. Gordon." –Lynn Plumley

Benita Esquivel
Beating All Odds

Age: 62, Bilateral Transtibial Amputee

Benita is a 61 year old grandmother that lives at home with her daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren. Ms. Esquivel was diagnosed with diabetes many years ago and has been battling with peripheral vascular disease and non-healing sores on her feet. Due to an infection in both lower extremities, Benita underwent bilateral below knee amputations at JPS hospital in October 2008. After being released from the hospital, Benita returned home to her family. Benita attended the JPS amputee clinic in January 2009 for follow up and it was there that she was introduced to Baker Orthotics and Prosthetics. Ms. Esquivel told the clinic that she has continued to help around the home and care for her grandchildren, but it is very difficult since her amputations. She moves about her home down on her knees and when going outdoors uses her wheelchair. Ms. Esquivel's determination and willpower inspired all that she met.

With no source of funding for her prostheses, Baker referred Benita to Limbs for Life for assistance. Benita went through the rigorous processes and long waiting periods and was finally approved for funding assistance for her new prosthetic legs. Benita was seen at Baker for measurements and casting for her new prostheses in May 2009. She came back into the office just a few days later for fitting. Immediately after her new legs were put on, Benita stood up on her own and ‘just started walking'. After making several trips into the office for fitting adjustments and walking practice, Benita took her new legs home on July 2, 2009. Benita now can return to doing the things she has always done in the past and had always taken for granted. She is most thankful for being able to do small tasks like standing to washing dishes and cook dinner for the family. Benita puts her prosthetic legs on every day and no longer needs to crawl to move around her home.

To see Benita walking with her new prostheses for the first time, click here.

Abdelali Elfilali
Life Changing News

Age: 60, Left Transfemoral Amputee

While others were out celebrating New Years day 2007, Abdelali Elfilali received the news from his doctor that would change his life forever- the infection in his leg would necessitate immediate amputation.

Abdelali had always been a hard working family man, whose primary focus in life was providing for his family and he prided himself on always being there for his family. However, following his sudden amputation the roles were reversed. Without the funds to pay for an artificial leg, Abdelali was no longer able to work, and instead of supporting his family, they were now supporting him. "I felt like a drain upon my family," stated Abdelali. "I usually refuse to go anywhere outside of the home with my daughter because she has her two small children to take care of and I don't want to be like a third child that she has to attend to," said Abdelali. "If you took a look at your life, how busy are you? If you had to depend on a loved one or friend to help you out with just going to the bathroom, or just taking care of simple things in life, not only has your life changed, but their life as well."

After learning about the charity Limbs of Love, Abdelali's children submitted his story to the organization, in hopes Limbs of Love could provide him with a prosthetic leg. What was unknown to Abdelali's family was that at that time, Limbs of Love was based only in Houston and had never assisted patients outside of the Houston vicinity. Limbs of Love founder Joe Sansone found the story so compelling that he reached out to Fort Worth based Baker Orthotics & Prosthetics for help.

"Gordon Stevens of Baker O&P was immediately receptive to the idea of teaming up with Limbs of Love to give Abdelali his life back," Sansone stated. "It's amazing to meet people like Gordon who not only provide prosthetic limbs to patients for a profit, but are also passionate about reaching out to the amputee community." Upon receiving the news, Abdelali's family was in shock. "We didn't believe it! We were looking forward to him having a leg so he could walk again, it was like a dream come true for all of us!" said his son Rahim. Abdelali was ecstatic about learning to walk on his new prosthesis. "We would look forward to seeing [staff at Baker O&P], they were really good, really professional people," stated Rahim.

June 29, 2009 was an extremely emotional day for Abdelali and his entire family when he received his prosthesis – a day his family had prayed would come for so long. "It's so emotional, we just can't believe it! It's amazing, it's like he has a real leg!" said his son Rahim.

And now, with Abdelali adjusting to life back on his feet, his family struggles continue. However, now their struggle is keeping up with their once sedentary housebound loved one. "I used to always know walking in the front door, there would be my father, sitting in the same old chair, watching the same old TV, because that's all he ever did. And just yesterday, I came home and was shocked and amazed to see that my father was not there," stated Rahim. "I was actually quite frightened because this was such a new occurrence. I panicked until I looked through the front window and saw him outside walking in the street, playing with the grandkids. It's so beautiful and it's such a blessing, Limbs of Love has changed our lives forever."

You Tube video 1
You Tube video 2

Andre Lampkin
Back on Track

Age: 22, Quadrilateral Amputee

Andre was busy enjoying his freshman year, on a football scholarship as the wide receiver, at Cisco Junior College. In March 2008, he had finished up with his first semester, taking a break from college football and going home for Easter weekend when his life took a dramatic change. Andre had left school and was at one of his friend's homes when he began to feel ill. He wasn't worried about the confused, dizzy feeling he was having, just thought he might be hungry or tired. He didn't bother telling anyone he was feeling bad and decided to try to get something to eat and then take a shower, hoping it would revive him and he would get his energy back. After showering, he suddenly began feeling even worse than before. His vision became blurry and he collapsed onto the floor. When he woke up, he was in the Dallas Parkland hospital. He realized he couldn't speak and was having to communicate with blinks, either once or twice to answer questions from the hospital staff and family members. Andre spent 2-3 weeks in Parkland hospital and it was there that he was diagnosed with Bacterial Meningitis. He was informed that there was a strong chance he would lose his limbs. Andre and his family were looking for any means of treatment that could save his limbs from the terrible bacterial infection. Andre states that at this time, his feet felt "cold, numb, and very heavy".

Andre's aunt found a doctor in Florida that was doing stem cell research. The family immediately contacted him and set up a visit so that Andre could be evaluated. Andre remembers being hopeful that ‘stem cells may save my limbs.' Andre boarded a plane headed to Florida. He recalls being very sick, but telling himself that he had to try. After meeting with the doctor in Florida, he then went on to the Dominican Republic to have the stem cell treatment completed. Stem cells created from a sample of Andre's blood were injected into his arms and legs in attempt to get the tissues and vessels to repair themselves. Part of the treatment required Andre to go into a hyperbaric chamber three times per week for two hours at a time. After many grueling weeks in the Dominican Republic, Andre returned to Naples FL, where he remained for another three to four months. Unfortunately, Andre took a turn for the worse and flew back to Fort Worth where he was re-admitted into JPS Hospital. The infection had caused significant tissue damage in Andre's extremities. The doctors consulted with Andre and told him that the decaying tissue would eventually take his life if he did not go forward with amputation of all four limbs. "I was really depressed. I just felt like I needed time to breathe," says Andre. "I put off even talking about the amputations for over two weeks."

Gordon Stevens, prosthetist and owner of Baker Prosthetics first met Andre at JPS for a prosthetic consult. "At first I didn't want to think about amputation or look at anything I was shown about prosthetics." The reality of the urgent need to remove the damaged tissue began to sink in as Andre accepted what must happen. Andre recalls Gordon coming in and showing him the "cool" prosthetic hands and talking to him about prosthetic legs. Andre's first question was, "How tall can I be?"

Andre proceeded with surgery for amputation. After a short recovery time, he was released to go home. Gordon followed up with Andre regularly, visiting him at his home to begin the prosthetic rehabilitation process. Andre recalls, "Even though he told me he was coming to my house to see me, I was still shocked when he really showed up. I guess I expected to be let down."

"When Gordon put the legs on me for the first time, I stood straight up out of the chair." Andre remembers, "My legs were still very tender, but I was so excited I didn't care." As Gordon prepared to return to the office after this fitting, Andre said, "Don't I get to keep them?" He recalls from the visit, "I was kinda upset that he was not going to leave them with me, but I know now that Gordon was being cautious to keep me from hurting myself." A home health therapist continued working with Andre to strengthen his legs and arms. During these couple months of fittings and working with the PT, Andre developed a secondary infection in the residual limb of his left leg. A revision surgery was necessary to remove the infection in which a small portion of bone was removed. IV antibiotics were administered for several weeks to ensure the infection was completely healed. Andre was kept busy during this healing time with daily visits from his girlfriend and friends.

Meanwhile, Gordon began working on the initial set of myo-electric prostheses for Andre's arms. Andre was fit with the first rudimentary set of arms to begin practicing. Once the lower limb was healed enough to resume prosthetic fitting, Andre was fit with a new set of legs. Andre began attending physical and occupational therapy at a local rehab facility in Fort Worth.

Andre can now do almost anything he wants to with his new arms and wears them every day. He quickly gained the needed confidence to use the prosthetic devices outside of therapy and began going to the gym 3 times per week to improve the strength in his legs. Andre is now able to run on his prostheses and is surprisingly fast. Andre remembers the first time he tried to run, "I didn't trust the legs at first, I started with two or three steps to see how it would be. The legs used to hurt just to have them on, let alone run…" "Now I run just like I used to…only with prosthetic feet instead of real ones." After talking with Gordon about ways to re-build his arm strength, Andre was provided with a set of ‘workout' arms with specialized ‘hands' that can clamp on and allow him to lift dumbbells and workout. He started out slow and gradually began increasing weight.

"After everything that has happened since he was first diagnosed, Andre's life is as near normal as possible. He has started watching football again and is getting involved in coaching as much as possible. Andre will be helping out coaching during a children's football camp in Fort Worth for children, ages 6-7, to teach kids not only to become athletes, but leaders. Andre also volunteers as a coach for the 5th and 6th grade, Pee Wee Cowboys and will be helping with spring training at Bell High School, where he attended. When not immersed in football, Andre is training to race at the 2012 Olympics.

Andre will be attending college soon with plans to enroll at TCC NE campus this coming summer. Andre says he will major in kinesiology and coaching as he intends to continue with his love of football by making coaching a career. Though he still has far to go, Andre's success is remarkable and he offers a life lesson most of us could learn from. When asked how he does it, he comments, "just gotta keep working… keep your mind busy, keep doing stuff."