Boy, 7, Surprised with Awesome Star Wars Prosthetic Arm

By LIZ NEPORENT

HT liam star wars arm 03 jef 150113 16x9 992 resized 600

Just like Luke Skywalker, 7-year-old Liam Porter of Augusta Georgia has been given a brand new arm.

Porter, who was born without the lower part of his left arm, was recently surprised with a prosthetic arm modeled after the Imperial Clone Troopers in Star Wars.

“Liam wants it made clear it is a Clone Trooper not a Storm Trooper arm,” said his mother Ryan Porter.

In the Star Wars movies, Clone Troopers are the good guys and Storm Troopers are evil.

Porter used to have a traditional prosthesis but it was boring and clunky, John Peterson, the limb’s designer said. The boy thinks the new arm is not only “extremely awesome,” it’s lighter and easier to move. It has a clamp on it and a rail system to slide different attachments on and off. As he grows, the arm can be adjusted.

Porter’s space-age appendage was a arranged by E-nable, a global network of volunteers who 3D print mechanical hands and arms for kids in need then give them away for free.

Jon Schull, E-nable’s founder, is also a research scientist at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He said the group pairs each child with a “maker” who takes a basic prosthetic design and customizes it.

Peterson went above and beyond, Schull noted.

“I believe this is the first Clone Trooper arm we’ve done,” Schull said.

The arm took about three months to make and cost about $300, according to Peterson. The price tag for a typical prosthetic arm is upwards of $9,000, Schull pointed out.

In its first year, E-nable has given away more than 700 arms and hands. Members of 501st Georgia Garrison, a group of people who dress up as Storm (and Clone) Troopers, presented Porter with his at a surprise ceremony held at a local movie theater.

“He was actually speechless, which for him is a rarity,” his mom said. “It’s amazing John donated his time and own money to make this happen, just to see the joy on my son’s face.”

Source: http://abcnews.go.com

Recent Posts

The Crucial Importance of Diversity in the Nursing Field
In the constantly changing landscape of healthcare, Nurses play a vital role as the cornerstone of healthcare systems. They offer essential care, support, and education to patients. It is crucial for...
Read More
Nursing Hacks: Tips and Tricks to Make Your Shift Easier
Nursing is a rewarding yet challenging profession. Long hours, demanding tasks, and the need to stay organized can make shifts overwhelming. To help you navigate your day more efficiently, here are...
Read More
The Power of Age Diversity in Healthcare
In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, embracing diversity in all its forms is essential for providing exceptional patient care and cultivating a lively workplace. Age diversity, in particular,...
Read More

Subscribe to Email Our Newsletter

Education_Award_Square