Harry Shaw in the News!

Want to see some more footage of Harry Shaw? The check out the clips below! More footage coming soon....here's a little sneak peek!

Channel 2:



http://www.click2houston.com/video/23687676/

Channel 39:

He did it!

After spending the last 27 years in a wheelchair, Harry Shaw took his first steps yesterday afternoon and KHOU was there to capture it on camera!

Watch as Harry takes his first steps on his new state-of-the-art prosthetic limbs made by our very own, Ben Falls:




Harry has made unbelievable progress in the last 48 hours, and we will be sure to keep you updated as he continues on this incredible journey!

Harry Shaw is back on his feet after 27 years wheelchair-bound!

The past few weeks you may have heard some chatter about a man by the name of “Harry Shaw” around the office—for those of you who haven’t heard about Mr. Shaw, let me tell you.

At the young age of 21, Mr. Shaw lost both of his legs during the Grenada invasion. Although his life was spared, he has spent the last 27 years of his life in a wheelchair, as he was not previously viewed as a prosthetic candidate and came to accept the fact that he would never walk again.
Well guess what? Today that all changes!

Earlier this month, Mr. Shaw traveled from Port Aransas, Texas to Houston in hopes of jumping alongside fellow veterans at the Airborne Amputees event.

The bad news? After traveling to Houston, Mr. Shaw was unable to jump due to the length of his residual limbs and lack of prosthetics.

The good news? He had the opportunity to meet our very own Ben Falls, who felt confident that he could fit Mr. Shaw with a full set of prostheses, allowing him to walk again.

Fast forward to today….and Mr. Shaw is back in Houston ready to be fit with his new prosthetics! Mr. Shaw spent yesterday with Ben and Robin up North, where he began the process of receiving new prosthetics, and will be back again today where Ben anticipates to have him up and walking by this afternoon—that means Mr. Shaw will be taking his FIRST STEPS IN 27 YEARS! Can you believe it?

Mr. Shaw will be at TAPC until tomorrow afternoon, before he returns back to his life in Port Aransas where he will continue his journey of learning to walk again on his own two feet.

The things he looks forward to most? Walking his daughters down the aisle, being able to get groceries of the high shelf without asking for help, wearing cowboy boots (like a true Texan!), dancing with his wife with whom he’s never danced before….and I’m sure jumping at next year’s Airborne Amputee Event, which is responsible for making this all possible!

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It's Oreo Cookie Dunk-Off time!

In preparation for the DARS Oreo Cookie Dunk-Off on Saturday, TMC held a "Dunk-Off" of their own! With six teams competing, each hoping to win $50 towards their teams raffle ticket sales, the competition got intense.

The final two teams were Sales, representented by Eric Chiboroski, Mike Scholotzhauer and Ryan Fisher, and Aggies 4 Amputees, represented by Garrett Scanlan, Alex Drake and Josh Barnett.

The Sales Reps put up a good fight, but they were no match for Aggies 4 Amputees!

Don't miss the official Oreo Cookie Dunk-Off between DARS offices at the 3rd Annual Airborne Amputee Skydive next Saturday, April 17th! DARS offices won't ben the only ones competing; rehab facilities will be competiing in the Rehab Games to display their rehab skills and fight for the title of the Best Rehab Facility in Houston!

These are two competitions you won't want to miss; it's sure to be a great show! So bring your friends and family (we will have miniature horse rides, live music, BBQ, moonwalks and more) so there is sure to be fun for all! View the complete schedule of events here.

Airborne Amputees is sure to be the TMC event of the year; we hope to see you there!

NEW LOCATION OPENING IN SOUTHWEST HOUSTON!

Come visit us at our new location in Southwest Houston! We are especially excited about this location because it is truly the orthotic and prosthetic office of the future. Its features include a scanning room utilizing laser CAD/CAM technology, which eliminates the need for casting and gives patients a more precise fit allowing our practitioners to better care for our patients.

The facility is designed to provide our patients with a pleasurable experience from the moment they walk through the door. The waiting room looks more like a local coffee house than a medical office, complete with two large screen TVs, a lounge area and a coffee bar, allowing patients to relax as they wait for their appointments. Patients will then be seen in a comfortable living room style setting to review their orthotic and prosthetic options.

The office not only offers comfort, but convenience. The entire facility is wired for Wi-Fi and is entirely paperless--meaning no more forms!

A special thanks goes to all those employees that helped us move, your devotion is greatly appreciated!

Limbs of Love Patients Revisted--TONIGHT on CH.45 @ 10PM

During the Thanksgiving Holidays, Univision documented the lives of three amputees, who, despite missing their limbs, were grateful for the lives they had been blessed with. We watched these three amputees struggle performing simple daily activities that most people take for granted due to the lack of or ill-fitting prosthetic devices.








Tonight and tomorrow at 10:00pm, Univision will be revisiting these three amputees’ stories, showing how their lives have been changed for the better through the donation of prosthetic devices from Limbs of Love.

Wounded Warriors Guest of Honor at 3rd Annual Amputee Skydive

I just returned from a visit at the Center for the Intrepid at Brooke Army Medical base in San Antonio where I went to invite the Wounded Warriors that had lost their limbs in their service to our country to be the guests of honor at the 3rd Annual Airborne Amputee Jump.

Upon arriving there was a group of 15 or so Wounded Warrior amputees participating in a game of sitting volleyball—a sport played just like the standing game except for a lower net, smaller court and sitting players. Just watching these guys play this game was a true testament to the spirit and fortitude of our Wounded Warriors.

As I approached the group of young men, primarily in their early 20s, I noticed that they were all missing limbs—some missing one leg, some missing both, and others missing an arm. After a few moments in their presence, surrounded by competitive jeers and trash talking, I quickly forgot that these athletes were amputees or even Wounded Warriors. They were just a group of competitive guys playing a so called “meaningless” game of volleyball. I couldn’t imagine a different atmosphere in the locker room at half time during a NFL Super Bowl Game.

These guys have given their limbs for our country and they will be forced to live the rest of their lives as an amputee. But you’d never know it in their attitude. It is fitting that we do what we can to ease their pain and aid in their rehabilitation. Entertaining them and allowing them to go out of town with their families will be a well deserved break for them. Jumping our of an airplane will allow these guys to make a statement to the world that life as an amputee is OK and they are capable of doing incredible feats.


I am invigorated after watching these guys. The hard work that you put into the upcoming months with likely affect these American heroes for the rest of their lives—some will leave with unforgettable memories and for others, it will be a truly life-changing event that will give them the confidence to live the life they always dreamed of, despite the cards they have been dealt. It is an honor to have these young men join us for this event, and I want to thank you again for helping Limbs of Love give back to those that have sacrificed so much for all of us.

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For more information on Airborne Amputees, please visit http://www.airborneamputee.com/ or email mbonham@tmcortho.com

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Limbs of Love to provide care to Haiti earthquake victims

In the aftermath of Haiti’s earthquake, TAPC and Limbs of Love are reaching out to the over 200,000 earthquake victims who have suffered the loss of a limb in this tragedy. We are busy gathering hundreds of prosthetic components and planning a mission trip to fit those in need with limbs in the upcoming months. For those of you who missed the news coverage last week, be sure to check out the stories below:

The Spring Observer

ABC

KHOU


ABC



FOX

HOUSTON COMPANY TO PROVIDE PROSHTETIC CARE TO HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

In the aftermath of Haiti’s earthquake, the Amputee & Prosthetic Center (TAPC) in Houston, TX is reaching out to earthquake victims who have suffered the loss of a limb in this tragedy. The Houston company and the charity Limbs of Love are sending hundreds of prosthetic components and supplies as well as volunteering its prosthetic professionals to fit limbs on Haitian amputees in the upcoming months.

Unfortunately, due to the circumstances and lack of immediate aid, medical care has returned to that of the Civil War era. The large volume of crush injuries and fractures are oftentimes accompanied by open wounds. Lacking medical supplies and antibiotics, medical teams are forced to resort to 19th century medicine, leaving their patients with an unfortunate choice—amputation or death.

In a developing country such as Haiti, survival is difficult, and even more so for amputees. The Amputee & Prosthetic Center is committed to providing ongoing prosthetic care to amputees in hopes of giving victims a second chance.

To make donations to help provide limbs to Haitian amputees, please visit our website at http://www.myamputee.com/ or http://www.limbsoflove.com/

METAL & MUSCLE EXPO PROVIDES FUN FOR ALL

Despite the less than favorable weather Saturday, TAPC patients and employees found entertainment indoors at the Metal & Muscle Expo. The Expo introduced our wounded service men and women as well as the general public to Paralympic sports including sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, air gun shooting and judo for the blind. The event also featured activities such as a challenge slalom course, power soccer, amputee walking/running clinic, and much more.

TAPC patients and employees had a blast as they challenged themselves in various activities—the most popular being rock climbing. Also in attendance were a group of Wounded Warriors from Brook Army Medical Center who are looking forward to joining us as the guests of honor at our Airborne Amputee Skydive April 17th!

The event proved to be a great success and a big “Thank You” goes out to all our wonderful volunteers—for those of you unable to make it be sure to check out the pictures on the TAPC website (and mark your calendars for next year!!)

AMPUTEE SKYDIVE: AIRBORNE AMPUTEES 2010

I hope everyone is ready, because it's time for Airborne Amputees 2010 skydive in Houston, TX sponsored by Amputees in Action! Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, April 17th, you don't want to miss out on this awesome event benefitting Limbs of Love! If you were not able to make it in years past, be sure to check out our website Airborne Amputees and view the video below.

2009 Airborne Amputees

For more information contact Margaret Bonham at mbonham@tmcortho.com or 713-669-1800

Limbs of Love Provides the Best Gift of All

The holiday season is a time for giving, and that is just what we are doing at TAPC through our charity, Limbs of Love.

Last week, Univision ran Part I of a two part series on Limbs of Love, starring three of our very own Limbs of Love recipients. These are three truly amazing people, who share with viewers why they are thankful this holiday season, despite the cards they have been dealt. For all of you who missed it (or would like to watch it again with English subtitles)….now’s your chance!

Segment I: Jorge Hernandez

Segment II: Alejandro Osorio & Victor Miramon

Segment III: The Prosthetic Fabrication Process, starring Rebeca Guajardo, Tony Caballero & the Prosthetic Fab Shop!

Restoring Hope Just in Time for the Holidays

Although they have three very different stories, amputees Alejandro Osorio, Jorge Hernandez and Victor Miramon have one thing in common: they all received new limbs, and a new lease on life, thanks to Limbs of Love.

Alejandro was the first recipient to arrive at the Amputee & Prosthetic Center, and was joined by friends and family who were anxious to see their loved one take the first steps on his new prosthetic leg. Throughout the Limbs of Love process, Alejandro has been very quite and reserved, but once Rebeca Guajardo put his new leg on him (fit by Ben Falls) and he began to walk, his face brightened and he broke into a smile we had never seen before.

Alejandro’s friends and family cried tears of joy, as Alejandro smiled and laughed with each step he took. The ill-fitting leg Alejandro had been wearing cut into his skin and did not have a knee joint not only causing him pain, but making it near impossible to walk in a straight line.

While the initial plan was for Alejandro to stay inside the parallel bars, Alejandro decided he wanted to do things differently. Alejandro left the parallel bars and headed straight for the stairs, beaming as he walked up and down stairs for the first time in years. His daughter, Patti, watched in amazement and said, “You know why he’s doing that right? Ben [Falls] showed that he can do everything with his leg, so my Dad decided he was going to be able to do everything too—I guess he decided to get started now!”

Before leaving, Alejandro’s daughters brought out a cake to celebrate and show their appreciation for giving their father his life back. After many more hugs and tears, Alejandro and his family headed out to the parking lot, where Alejandro walked up and down the sidewalk, not wanting to leave. Eventually he left, letting us know that next time we saw him he would be walking without a cane and dancing on his new leg.

Shortly after Jorge Hernandez arrived with his mom, wife and sons, who were in shock that Jorge was about to receive a leg, freeing him from the wheelchair that he had been in ever since an accident seventeen years ago that resulted in the amputation of both of his arms and one of his legs. Once Jorge was fit with his prosthetic leg, Nick Glebowski and Rebeca helped Jorge as he took his first steps—something he had given up hope on years ago. His family cried as they imagined the possibilities for Jorge’s future. At 31, Jorge is optimistic about what’s in store, and looks forward to being able to be a whole man, father and husband again.

The final recipient, Victor Miramon, had been struggling with prosthesis that he received as a child. Now at 26, his leg no longer fits and he is forced to make alterations to it himself in efforts to continue participating in daily activities. His mother, sister, nephew and son all joined him as Rebeca and Nick fit him with his new leg, allowing him to live his active lifestyle without his prosthesis holding him back. Once Victor had on his new leg, he could not stop talking about what a huge difference having a leg that actually fit made—he even started jumping the parallel bars, something he could have never done with his previous prosthesis. Now that Victor has a leg that fits, he looks forward to going back to work, playing basketball with his friends and living his life without anything holding him back.

Check out Limbs of Love on Facebook for more pictures!

DAVID ELEMENTRY STUDENTS TOUR PROSTHETIC FACILITY

A group of curious students from David Elementary were given a behind-the-scenes look at the making of prosthetic limbs as part of a school project Tuesday afternoon.

The students, who just finished reading a book about a boy who received a prosthetic hand in the 1940’s, were touring the Amputee & Prosthetic Center to learn about modern prosthetics and hopefully have the opportunity to meet an amputee themselves.

The students viewed facility’s historical display of artificial limbs dating back to the Civil War, before entering the prosthetic lab, where they watched in awe as Prosthetic Lab Manager, Tony Caballero, demonstrated each step involved in creating modern day prosthetics, including today’s computer controlled BIONIC Limbs.

Following the demonstration, tour guide Jody Graham revealed to the class that she herself is an amputee, giving the students the opportunity to speak with her about what daily life is like and how her life has changed since her amputation.

The group was amazed as Jody demonstrated how to take her leg on and off, while explaining what her day-to-day life is like as an amputee, as well as the activities she participates in with her support group, Amputees in Action.


“I applaud teachers for what they are doing with their students. These children are not only learning about the technology developed for our wounded veterans, but they are learning to understand and therefore accept the amputee community,” said Amputee & Prosthetic Center CEO, Joe Sansone.

The students weren't the only ones enthralled in this learning experience; a group of parents accompanied the students and remained equally captivated.

“We totally enjoyed the outing and the opportunity to learn so much from you; amazing work is done [at the Amputee & Prosthetic Center]!” said chaperone Tammy Scarborough. “Your enthusiasm for what you do is certainly contagious!”


With the recent advancement in prosthetic technology as a result of the Iraqi War, students experienced the evolution of prosthetic limbs over the past century in a single afternoon.

“Prosthetic technology has made impressive strides over the past few years, and it’s amazing to see how these exciting advancements in prosthetics have generated such an interest among the general public,” stated Amputee & Prosthetic Center CEO, Joe Sansone. “We always welcome an opportunity to educate the public and look forward to seeing their A+ projects!”

Meet our new Limbs of Love recipients

Friday proved to be a very emotional day at NBP, as we met three Limbs of Love recipients and their families for the first time.

The first recipient, Jorge, lost both of his arms and one of his legs in an electrical accident at the age of 14. Although he doesn’t have arms, Jorge has adapted to life—even learning to drive with what arms he does have when his wife was pregnant with their son and could no longer drive herself.

On Friday Jorge was joined by his mother, wife and two young sons and they were ecstatic about Jorge getting his life back. Jorge could not be more grateful, as he extended his thanks to everyone at Limbs of Love for allowing him to become a whole father, man and husband again. What he is most looking forward to once he receives his prosthesis is playing at the park with his sons for the first time instead of watching from his wheelchair on the side.

Victor, the second recipient, has not allowed the lack of a proper fitting prosthetic device slow him down. After being diagnosed with bone cancer at 11, Victor underwent an amputation to save his life. Growing up, he refused to use his amputation as an excuse, participating in various extreme sports alongside his friends, his favorite being snowboarding. Now 26, the prosthesis provided to him through Medicaid no longer fits, and he is constantly fixing and making alterations to his leg in efforts to continue working and living his life. His mother, sister, and nephew feel his optamistic attitude and overall outlook have gotten to him where he is today.

The third recipient, Alejandro, lost his leg after falling off a platform while working at a petroleum plant. He currently walks on a prosthesis that cuts into his skin, preventing him from participating in day-to-day activities. His friends, family, and members of the church all came to support Alejandro and thank Limbs of Love for the work we do for amputees.

There were lots of tears as the recipients shared their stories and hopes for the future. Thanks to Limbs of Love, their futures look bright as they envision the endless possibilities that will be available to them with their new prosthetic devices.

THE AMPUTEE & PROSTHETIC CENTER CELEBRATES BEING NAMED #10 AMONG HOUSTON’S FAST 100

Today at the Houston Fast 100 awards ceremony, 840 of 850 business men and women had lunch before Amputee & Prosthetic Center CEO Joe Sansone. That's because the winners were counted down from 100, and TAPC was named the #10 fastest growing company in Houston!

The Houston Business Journal ranked the Amputee & Prosthetic Center (TAPC) # 10 on the Houston Fast 100, an exclusive ranking of Houston’s fastest growing businesses. Businesses were ranked according to their past two-year growth and were required to be headquartered in the Houston area and be at least five-years-old.

Joe Sansone, CEO of TAPC, attributes the company’s success to it’s commitment to patients and revolutionary approach to amputee care.

“We were so surprised to be named in the top ten on Houston Fast 100 list,” said Sansone. “It’s a testament to the tremendous growth and success that we have achieved over the past five years, but even more so a testament to how dedicated our team is to delivering the best in prosthetic care. Going above and beyond by advocating for our amputee patients is what our company strives for."

Although TAPC’s parent company, TMC Orthopedic, has been named on the Houston 100 and Small Business 100 an unprecedented six times, this was the first year TAPC has been eligible for the Houston 100.

TAPC was created in 2004 when Sansone realized the lack of quality prosthetic care available to the amputee community. Since 2004, the Amputee & Prosthetic Center has developed a multitude of innovative programs that have thrusted the company into the national spotlight. Thanks to the glowing accolades from patients and physicians alike, the number of new patients has quickly increased, and as a result, revenues have increased 217.4% over a two year period.

TAPC’s achievements reach beyond revenue growth, as they have encountered more success in the past five years than most companies do in their entire existence. TAPC was named #1 on the Houston Best Places to Work List for 2008 and 2009 and has received multiple honors for its dedication to the amputee community, most notably through its charity Limbs of Love, which has provided over $1 million in prosthetic devices to amputees that would otherwise go without.

“The Amputee & Prosthetic Center was built on a team of dedicated, hard-working people that love what they do,” said Sansone. “The Houston Fast 100 ranking is well-deserved recognition and I am proud of the entire organization for this achievement. We plan to keep our focus on developing new programs to better the lives of our patients, making the future look bright not only for TAPC, but the amputee community as a whole.”

TAPC Provides the Best in Prosthetic Care

Can't find the right words to describe to your friends, family and patients how amazing the Amputee & Prosthetic Center is? Then send them to yellowpages.com to view our TAPC video! (Coming soon to the TAPC website...)

The video features patient testimonials as well as information on services available through the Amputee & Prosthetic Center.

I think we can all agree that patient satisfaction is the highest compliment we can receive! It enables us to see how our team efforts produce excellent results and an enhanced quality of life for all those we serve. These testimonials reflect our success in delivering the high-caliber prosthetic care to which every amputee is entitled.

Keep up the good work team!