Teenager receives gift of prosthetic leg
Laura Ryder fits Renaldo Taylor with prosthetic leg
(CNS Local Life): Christmas arrived early for a teenage trauma patient of the Health Services Authority (HSA) who recently received his most memorable gift ever – a prosthetic limb donated by Laura Ryder, certified prosthetist and orthotist. Renaldo Taylor (15) arrived at the Cayman Islands Hospital Physiotherapy Department for his second session with Ryder in November, after losing his leg as a result of a motor vehicle accident in July.
At that visit, Ryder fitted him for a custom-made prosthetic leg that she will be donating to the young man. “When he found out he was so excited that he screamed and kept asking me if he could get it today. He couldn’t wait for this moment,” said Renaldo’s mother, Remona Wellington, in an HSA press release.
Prior to the accident Taylor was heavily involved in sports including track and field, football and basketball. Taking into consideration his athletic history, Ryder designed a temporary prosthetic using carbon, plastic and titanium for him to practise with while she completed a permanent limb he would receive in the New Year. “The durability of these materials are best suited for his active lifestyle,” said Ryder.
“Losing a limb is a tough experience to go through especially for someone who is as athletic as Renaldo. He is a super 15-year-old kid who has been through a lot and who deserves to be given a limb. He will no longer have to walk with crutches and I know it will be life-changing for him,” she added.
(L-R) Laura Ryder, Renaldo Taylor and his mother, Remona Wellington
Taylor said he is grateful for Ryder’s generous donation and hopes he will be able to walk, run and resume most of the activities he took part in before the accident. He said he also looks forward to trying some new sports once he becomes accustomed to his prosthesis, and he has already begun boxing.
“This gift from Ms Ryder is such a blessing. I cried when I heard about it,” said Wellington. “First I want to thank God for my answered prayer. I cannot thank Ms Ryder and the staff at the Cayman Islands Hospital enough for the support and love they have all shown. This is a life-changing situation for my son.”
Ryder has partnered with the HSA for more than 15 years, during which time she has donated prosthetics to several patients. “People are very grateful for what I do and for the convenience of not having to leave the island to access this service that I provide here at the HSA,” she said.
“I love my job and enjoy helping people and seeing the smiles on their faces when they receive equipment that is life-altering in such a positive way.”
Ryder and her staff provide comprehensive prosthetic and orthotic services for adults and children, that she individually designs and fabricates for each client, with the ultimate goal to increase the person’s function and independence.
Category: Medical and Health
