From New Gadgets to New Goals, Hanger Meeting Kicks Off

Orthotists, prosthetists, patients and parents gathered for the 2016 Hanger Education Fair & National Meeting, where presenters led advanced training seminars and industry experts offered hands-on demonstrations.

Participants mingled among new technologies and clinical techniques, and shared ideas about how to make even newer concepts come to life.

But new technology was not the only thing on display.

Patients like Ezra Frech, transfemoral amputee, told his story, in which he overcame adversity — being born with just two fingers on his left and his left leg amputated above-the-knee — to achievements like winning nine national records in track and field or playing basketball better than his peers.

Beth Shaver shared how she was injured playing soccer. She now wears a limb salvage device and continues to succeed as an athlete. Josh Kennison, born a quadrilateral amputee, is now a world-champion sprinter and Jeremy Campbell, transtibial amputee, is now a three-time Paralympic gold medalist.

The event brought to life new ideas about O&P care, but also inspired new goals in the patients who wear the devices. According to the people O&P News spoke to, the experience that was second to none. – by Shawn M. Carter

Ezra Frech, athlete and transfemoral amputee, tells his story of adversity and achievement during the opening ceremony.
Ezra Frech, athlete and transfemoral amputee, tells his story of adversity and achievement during the opening ceremony.

Images: Carter SM, O&P News.

From front: athletes Josh Kennison, Beth Shaver, Jeremy Campbell and Ezra French sign autographs following the opening ceremony.
From front: athletes Josh Kennison, Beth Shaver, Jeremy Campbell and Ezra French sign autographs following the opening ceremony.
Josh Kennison, a sprinter and quadrilateral amputee, signs autographs for people who heard his inspiring story.
Josh Kennison, a sprinter and quadrilateral amputee, signs autographs for people who heard his inspiring story.
Beth Shaver talks about her emotional journey of overcoming a soccer injury with help from a limb salvage device during the opening ceremony.
Beth Shaver talks about her emotional journey of overcoming a soccer injury with help from a limb salvage device during the opening ceremony.
Katy Sullivan, a bilateral transfemoral amputee, speaks about how prosthetists can build trust with female patients.
Katy Sullivan, a bilateral transfemoral amputee, speaks about how prosthetists can build trust with female patients.
From left: Beth Shaver, Josh Kennison, Jeremy Campbell and Ezra Frech (front) pose together after a video interview for O&P News.
From left: Beth Shaver, Josh Kennison, Jeremy Campbell and Ezra Frech (front) pose together after a video interview for O&P News.
From left: Thomas Gore, CPO, and Kevin Hickey, CPO, pose for O&P News during the opening ceremony.
From left: Thomas Gore, CPO, and Kevin Hickey, CPO, pose for O&P News during the opening ceremony.
Jen Lacey (center), of College Park Industries, talks to full house about how prosthetists can address women-specific issues in care.
Jen Lacey (center), of College Park Industries, talks to full house about how prosthetists can address women-specific issues in care.
Mikenzie Adams and William Yule, CP, pose before a video interview with O&P News.
Mikenzie Adams and William Yule, CP, pose before a video interview with O&P News.
From left: Max Oliver Nigrosh, Amy Saelen, MS, and Graham Rech, MSPO, pose for O&P News after the opening ceremony.
From left: Max Oliver Nigrosh, Amy Saelen, MS, and Graham Rech, MSPO, pose for O&P News after the opening ceremony.

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