The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) announced the winners of its Mobility Saves testimonial contest. Jeff Lewis of Mesa, Arizona, who has quadrilateral amputations, won the $500 grand prize for his video describing his active life that includes bowling, dancing, and golfing. “Certainly I have some restrictions, but I am not going to let the things I can’t do get in the way of the things I can,” said Lewis.
Ruth Frieboes of North Powder, Oregon, won the $250 second prize. Frieboes, who had a transfemoral amputation when she was in her 50s, submitted footage of her zip lining, hiking, and enjoying the beach. “I wanted to get back into my life as I approached retirement,” she said. “My dreams and goals would never have happened without a good prosthetic [device].”
Objectives of the Mobility Saves campaign include spreading the news that O&P care saves lives and money, promoting research on the cost-effectiveness of O&P, and highlighting patients whose lives are improved with modern technology.