Three children receive life-changing bionic arms for Christmas, transforming their lives and bringing joy to their families.
It’s a Christmas miracle!
At a Glance
- Sarah Lockey’s Big Hero 3 campaign raised $75,000 for bionic arms for three children
- Ettie Baker, Zoey Hampton-Pigeon, and Finn Jarvis received Hero Arms
- The Hero Arm is the most affordable advanced multi-grip prosthetic arm
- The campaign fosters community support and reduces fundraising stress for families
- Bionic arms offer increased independence and confidence for children with limb differences
A Christmas Miracle: Three Children Receive Bionic Arms
This holiday season, three families are celebrating an extraordinary gift that will change their children’s lives forever. Thanks to Sarah Lockey’s Big Hero 3 campaign, Ettie Baker, Zoey Hampton-Pigeon, and Finn Jarvis have received state-of-the-art bionic arms, described by recipients as “the best Christmas present in the world.” These Hero Arms, designed for children with below-elbow limb differences, represent a significant leap forward in prosthetic technology and affordability.
The Big Hero 3 campaign, launched by Sarah Lockey after her daughter lost her hand to meningitis, has raised approximately $75,000 to provide these life-changing devices. The initiative not only delivers essential tools but also fosters a supportive network through collaborative family fundraising, alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with advanced prosthetics.
Transformative Technology: The Hero Arm
The Hero Arm, developed by Open Bionics, is celebrated as the most affordable advanced multi-grip prosthetic arm available. It’s designed specifically for individuals with below-elbow limb differences and is now accessible in over 801 locations across the United States for children aged 8 and above. This innovative prosthetic offers a range of functions that can significantly improve the quality of life for its users.
“It’s at the cheaper end of the market, but say you had an accident and got a pay-out, well that’s got to last the rest of your life,” Ian Adams, a lecturer in prosthetics and orthotics at the University of Derby, explained.
While the Hero Arm represents a more affordable option in the bionic prosthetics market, it’s important to note that cost remains a significant factor for many families. This underscores the importance of initiatives like the Big Hero 3 campaign in making these life-changing devices accessible to those who need them most.
The Impact on Young Lives
For the three children receiving these bionic arms, the impact is immeasurable. Ettie Baker’s mother, Alyse, expressed her excitement about the life-changing potential of the Hero Arm. She highlighted how it will help her daughter perform tasks that were previously challenging, such as riding a bike and tying shoes.
“Ettie has always shown so much love for her difference and loves celebrating differences. However, as she is getting older, she is becoming increasingly aware of just how different she is,” Alyse said.
“She’s becoming more conscious of the stares when out and is sometimes frustrated that she can’t do things the same as everyone else – so having the opportunity to receive a Hero Arm is life-changing for Ettie in so many ways. For Ettie, she’s excited about being able to do things like handstands, ride her bike without an adaption and tying her shoes. As parents, we are excited about these things too, but also all the other ways the Hero Arm will change Ettie’s life. We see how strong she is when asked about her limb difference on an almost daily basis and we know it will help her feel more confident so she can continue to embrace her perfectly imperfect self.”
Zoey Hampton-Pigeon’s family, who learned of her limb difference during a prenatal scan, are equally thrilled about the new opportunities the Hero Arm will provide.
Finn Jarvis, described as “the boss of the family,” was born without a hand due to a car accident involving his mother. His family is excited about the possibilities the Hero Arm will open up for him as he enters secondary school.
A Community United
The Big Hero 3 campaign has done more than just provide prosthetics; it has created a supportive community of families facing similar challenges. By facilitating collaboration and joint fundraising efforts, the campaign has reduced the stress and isolation often associated with crowdfunding for medical devices. This sense of community and shared purpose embodies the true spirit of the holiday season.
“It turned my world around, and I promised one day I would get Tilly her hand back. She now wears two hero arms daily – so I want to support others who are going through the same thing,” Sarah Lockey said.
It’s great to hear some good news every once in a while, especially at Christmas!
