''Amazing' as kids with missing limbs receive bionic arms: 'Best Christmas gift' ever.'
Certain amputee adults and children are experiencing 'life-changing' opportunities with the help of lightweight prostheses.
This December, three children are filled with pure joy over what they believe to be the best Christmas present in the world.
This week, The Big Hero 3 campaign gifted "life-changing" bionic arms to Ettie Baker, age 8, Zoey Hampton-Pigeon, age 8, and Finn Jarvis, age 11.
Sarah Lockey, a mom whose own daughter faced physical challenges, launched a campaign to help families of children with missing limbs fundraise for bionic arms, according to news agency SWNS.
Alyse, Ettie Baker's mother, stated that her daughter "screamed" upon discovering her new arm as a Christmas present this year.
Alyse Baker, Ettie's mom, stated that her daughter has always been very loving towards her uniqueness and enjoys celebrating differences.
As the child grows older, she is becoming more aware of how different she is, said the mother.
"Ettie's becoming more aware of the stares she receives when among people and sometimes feels frustrated that she can't do things the same way as everyone else. Receiving a Hero Arm would be life-changing for her in numerous ways."
The Hero Arm is for people living with a below-elbow limb difference.
Her daughter is thrilled that she'll be able to ride a bike, tie her shoes, and even do handstands, as the mom said.
"We, as parents, are thrilled about these aspects of the Hero Arm, but also the myriad ways it will enhance Ettie's life."
We are thrilled to be collaborating with other families and their kids.
The Open Bionics Foundation, The Worshipful Company of The Glovers, Foresight Group, and an anonymous donor have all contributed over $50,000 towards the children's new bionic arms, according to SWNS.
It's considered "the world’s most affordable advanced multi-grip prosthetic arm."
According to the Open Bionics Foundation, the Hero Arm is designed for individuals with a below-elbow limb difference.
The device is described as "the world's most affordable advanced multi-grip prosthetic arm, with multi-grip functionality and empowering esthetics," according to the foundation.
"The Hero Arm, a custom lightweight and affordable myoelectric prosthesis, is engineered and manufactured in Britain. It is now available in over 801 locations across the U.S. for below-elbow amputee adults and children aged 8 and above."
The three families collaborated to raise a substantial amount of money.
Zoey Hampton-Pigeon's father, Thomas, stated that his daughter was thrilled upon hearing the news about her new arm and was "jumping up and down squealing."
He described the opportunity for her as "amazing."
At her 20-week scan, the family discovered that their daughter would be born with a limb difference.
The dad stated, "It was a very frightening and emotional period when we were uncertain about what to anticipate … Upon Zoey's birth, she encountered several specialists, but there are no solutions regarding the cause of this occurrence … It's simply one of those things."
"I want to support others who are going through the same thing."
He portrayed his daughter as a "happy, caring, confident, and adventurous little girl" today.
He noted that she is a member of a gymnastics club, takes swimming lessons, and loves trampolining.
Her dad said that she's excited to use a jump rope with her new arm.
He stated that she struggles with everyday tasks such as tying her laces, using a knife and fork, and more, and that the new bionic arm will significantly enhance her independence.
Sarah Lockey, a mother, was inspired to start the campaign, now in its fourth run, after her daughter lost her hand to meningitis at 15 months old.
"Getting Tilly her hand back turned my world around," she told SWNS, "and I vowed to help others going through the same thing. Now, she wears two hero arms daily, so I want to support others who are going through the same thing."
Crowdfunding can be stressful for families, but Lockey stated that the campaign alleviates some of this stress.
"Three children benefiting and their families meeting and fundraising together is simply amazing," she remarked.
The third child who is receiving a bionic arm, Finn Jarvis, has been referred to as "the head of the family" by his loved ones.
Before his birth, his mother was involved in a car accident that resulted in his being born without one hand.
As reported by SWNS, Dad Ben Jarvis stated that Finn is a happy-go-lucky boy who is kind, fearless, and extremely switched on. He is now 11 years old, and with the opportunity of a Big Hero Arm, the possibilities for him to excel are endless.
Lockey stated that the campaign is her "favorite thing" to do, and it has been a delight for the children to meet and receive such a life-changing opportunity.
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