Over the last several years, we have collected a number of prosthetic components which have been used as demonstration devices, teaching tools, or are from outgrown devices. Some may have been donated by family members or are samples from vendors. We have been holding on to these since the early days of COVID, because at the time, no one knew if it was safe to donate them.
This year, to prepare for a Day of Service sponsored by our clinical partners in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), we determined to participate in APTA’s drive for donations to Legs4Africa. Many countries in Africa have underserved communities who need affordable rehabilitation.
Their website states, “We recycle prosthetic legs that would otherwise end up in landfill and facilitate support groups so amputees in sub-Saharan Africa can live more independent, fulfilled lives.”
A team of Dankmeyer volunteers examined all the stored components for safety, and then cleaned and organized the parts into groups for packaging. On October 8, 2022, they will be delivered to a drop-off site where collections will be assembled for shipment to Legs4Africa.
Participation in our local communities as well as the world wide community of those with limb loss or limb difference is an important part of our mission. Take a look at the items going to the Day of Service.