As a former boxer, bull rider and construction worker, tough guy Roy Eavenson was never the type to ask for help.
So imagine his frustration when he lost his left hand in an industrial accident. “I was real blue,” he said. “There were so many things I couldn’t do.”
But ever since Methodist Orthotics & Prosthetics custom-fit Eavenson with a bionic hand, he’s found few activities out of reach on his 30-acre spread in Covington County.
His athletic career began anew when Methodist Orthotics & Prosthetics custom built a hi-tech prosthetic running leg centered around a carbon-fiber blade known as a “cheetah” foot. And their continued support helped him make the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Team as a track and field competitior.
When she was asked to model her prosthesis for an Ossür ad, Ann Marie Rivera couldn’t say no to the Icelandic company that manufactured her left foot and ankle.
“Being a nurse, I always like to help people,” she says. “I was glad to show that people can do whatever they love to do without any limitations.”
Josie Azlin loves following Daddy everywhere he goes, and Matt Azlin is happy to oblige. The jaunts are a joyous reminder that life is back to normal at the Leland family farm. “Whatever Daddy is doing, Josie and her big brother, Hayes, love to be with him,” says their mom, Katherine.
Azlin faced an uncertain future after an accident forced the amputation of his lower right leg. But he now feels comfortable and secure as he tromps across fields, climbs onto tractors or horses around with his two favorite farmhands.
After his lower left leg was amputated, Kenny Buford of Crystal Springs expected a life full of limitations.
Then the Navy veteran met Brad Kennedy, a Methodist Orthotics & Prosthetics staffer who once bicycled across Europe to showcase the capabilities of his high-tech artificial leg.
“He’s an above-the-knee amputee, and he really inspired me,” says Kenny. “He made me realize I can do anything I want.”
With more than 30 years of experience, Methodist Rehabilitation Center offers the most comprehensive amputation services in Mississippi.
We provide pre-surgical assessments, post-surgical therapy and custom-designed prostheses for patients recovering from amputations as a result of trauma or illness.
