Detroit Limb Loss Support Group

03/27/2026

Happy Birthday to Albert Kahn - DOB: March 21, 1869!
We are honored to be the owners of this historic Detroit Savings Bank, Branch #3, designed by Albert Kahn, engineer and architect known as "the man who built Detroit".

We purchased the building in 2011, made several renovations/upgrades, and house our prosthetic and orthotic business, Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics.

Built in 1916, it is a Neoclassical structure which was used by the Detroit Savings Bank until around 1956. The façade walls are limestone. The front façade has a two-story tall recessed entrance portico with a central entrance door flanked by Doric columns. Alternating flower medallions frame the doorway, with "Detroit Savings Bank" displayed above it. The Milwaukee side has nine two-story-tall narrow windows, along with our handicapped-accessible ramp.

The picture below is of Chris and I on the roof of the bank with John Sauve's "Man in the City". Sauve Art Foundation developed a public art project called Man in the City International Sculpture Project. The exhibit is comprised of sculptures located on the rooftops throughout the City of Detroit, Windsor and many other cities. John Sauve created the Man in the City project in 2008 and has exhibited it in Benton Harbor Michigan, on New York City’s Highline and on New York City’s Governors Island, just to name a few. The Man in the City Project creates a metaphor for life that transforms the skyline and encourages people to look around. In the discovery process one becomes aware of their own sense of place within the City.

03/17/2026

Simple Tests Can Predict Amputees’ Fall Risk

Most lower-limb amputees have taken a few tumbles over the years. But what if your prosthetist could evaluate your fall risk and suggest preventive measures before you ever hit the ground?

03/13/2026

Self-advocacy in healthcare matters more than ever.

Too often, care delayed becomes care denied.
Patients and families find themselves fighting for approvals, appointments, and basic access to treatment.

Meanwhile, healthcare is one of the most recession-resistant sectors on Wall Street, where publicly traded companies are expected to deliver steady profits for investors.

So here’s a serious question:

Should profit ever come before patient care?

Experts say it’s not uncommon for patients who need prostheses to be denied by insurance. “It’s not a matter of if, but when,” one advocate said.

03/11/2026

Bad news and good news.... If you lose something on the Los Angeles Metro there is a 30% chance you may get it back. Like everything else, you need to advocate for yourself. Now about leaving a prosthesis......

If you’ve ever lost something valuable on a Metro bus or train and assumed it was gone forever, take heart: There is a system for reuniting riders with their possessions.

03/02/2026

The Trump administration is introducing new rules for Obamacare plans that could lower monthly premiums — but they raise how much people pay out of pocket when they need care.

Under the proposed rules, some Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans would allow annual deductibles of more than $15,000 for one person and $31,000 for a family.

https://www.healthday.com/health-news/public-health/new-obamacare-rules-could-raise-deductibles-to-31k-for-families

02/20/2026

Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics is humbled and honored to be recognized as a 2026 Disability-Owned Small Business of the Year by Michigan Celebrates Small Business.!

Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics will be honored at an awards ceremony during the annual awards gala on April 22, 2026.

“Entrepreneurs fuel innovation and strengthen our economy, and Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics' steadfast dedication to overcoming obstacles while creating positive change across Michigan is inspiring,” said Jenny Piatt, Business Network Division Director for Michigan Rehabilitation Services. “Their leadership, perseverance, and forward-looking vision continue to make a meaningful impact on our state’s future. The team at Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics is highly deserving of recognition as a 2026 Disability-Owned Small Business of the Year, and I’m honored to celebrate their continued success.”

"The Team at Anew Life advocates and educates and provides the best services and products to our patients every day.
Chris and I and the team are so honored to be named a Michigan Celebrates Small Business Award winner and proud of our employees who make our success possible!"

The Disability-Owned Small Business of the Year not only celebrate the successes of disability-owned businesses but also to encourage ongoing innovation, community involvement, and inclusivity. The Disability-Owned Small Business of the Year is a business at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by individuals with disabilities.

To be considered for this award, the company must meet the following criteria:
• Business operations must encompass efficiency, quality of products/services, and overall operational excellence.
• Able to demonstrate the potential for innovation to be scaled or adopted more widely.
• Positive influence: The business’s role in improving the lives of people in the community by showing a positive influence.
• Positive work environment and support for employees with disabilities by showing employee satisfaction.

This year’s celebration begins with the Small Business Summit and VIP reception on Tuesday, April 21st, with a Capitol Day and black-tie awards gala on Wednesday, April 22nd. Additional information and ticket information can be found at https://michigancelebrates.org.

# # #

About Michigan Celebrates Small Business: The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) Foundation is the managing partner of MCSB, under the direction of an advisory committee. The advisory committee includes the Edward Lowe Foundation, Kinexus Group, Michigan Black Business Alliance, Michigan Small Business Development Center, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, National Veteran Business Development Council, Small Business Association of Michigan and West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

02/16/2026

Short reminder to clean your liner!
Cleaning your hands and your liner should be part of your daily routine. Use prosthetic cleansers formulated to be used on prosthetic liner materials like gel, urethane or silicone. Check your own sensitivity prior to use. Your own body wash or Dawn dishwashing soap are other options.
First turn inside out, rinse off any debris with warm water, then add a drop or two of soap/cleaner, rub gently, and rinse WELL. You can also wash the outside. Let air dry. Usually takes a couple of hours to fully dry.
Always check the manufacturer's recommendations.
You can also clean weekly, or when the liner smells, with a very small portion of rubbing alcohol or also Febreze. Use sparingly as it can degrade your liner.

Cleaning your hands and your liner should be part of your daily routine. Prosthetic cleansers formulated to be used on prosthetic liner materials like gel, ...

02/12/2026

Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics provides internships and other educational opportunities beyond patient care. Below is a survey from a Eastern Michigan University student for their capstone project. If you are a lower leg amputee and would like to help:

Hello!

Hello, my name is Teresa Schray, and I am a Master’s student at Eastern Michigan University studying Orthotics and Prosthetics. I am conducting a research study about gel liner hygiene practices in lower extremity amputees and how they may correlate to instructional education methods used to inform the amputee about gel liner hygiene. I would like to invite you to share this survey with members of your support group. The responses will be a major contribution to this study and provide valuable insight.
The purpose of this study is to gather descriptive data that can serve as a baseline for future research and to investigate the relationship between instructional methods and gel liner hygiene. Participants will be asked to complete a survey that is 18-26 questions. This will take approximately 10 minutes and is expected to take no more than 20 minutes total of your time.
You are eligible to participate if you are over the age of 18, are able to read and understand English, have a transtibial(s) or transfemoral(s) amputation(s), had the amputation(s) at least one year ago, use a gel liner with your prosthesis, and use your prosthesis at least 3 days a week.
There are no significant risks associated with this study. There are no benefits or compensation for your participation in this study, but your participation will benefit the field of Prosthetics and enhance patient care.
Participation is voluntary. You may choose to participate or not participate and can end participation at any point while filling out the survey without any consequences. Your responses will be kept confidential. Your identity will be protected by not asking for any identifying information. Your data will be stored securely in a locked file only accessible to the PI and her advisors.
Please let me know if you have any questions about participating in this research study. You can contact me at tschray@emich.edu. Thank you for your time!

Link for Survey:

Consent You are invited to participate in a research study. In order to participate, you must have a lower extremity transtibial or transfemoral amputation, use a gel liner with your prosthesis, have had the amputation at least one year ago, use your prosthesis at least 3 days a week, be over the ag...

02/11/2026

Today marks a significant milestone as we celebrate 15 years of dedicated service at Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics.

Since our inception on 2/11/2011, we have prioritized quality care and customer satisfaction. We invite our community to reach out for appointments to ensure your prosthetic and orthotic needs are met.

Let's continue to grow together in this journey of support and innovation!

02/06/2026

Do you have questions regarding prosthetics, orthotics, or care for same?

Do you want to watch some instructional videos, get grant information for prosthetics, or just look at a artistic, custom made prosthetics or orthotics?

If so, check out our website which is full of information: www.anewlifepando.com

01/19/2026

💛 An Update on Detroit KC 💛

Since before our Detroit location opened in 2013, Detroit KC has been so much more than an office dog. She has been a mascot, a comfort animal, a quiet source of strength, and a steady presence for our patients, families, and team at Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics. Many of you have shared hugs with her, talked to her on hard days, or smiled just because she was nearby.

Recently, KC was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. As we navigated that journey together, further testing revealed a cancerous tumor in her right kidney, along with additional complications. This news has been incredibly difficult, but we are focused on keeping her comfortable, loved, and surrounded by the people who adore her.

KC has given so much comfort over the years—without judgment, without conditions, just quiet companionship when it was needed most. Now, our priority is giving that same care and compassion back to her.

Thank you to everyone who has loved KC, checked in on her, and shared memories over the years. Your kindness means more than we can say. We will continue to cherish every moment with our girl and keep you updated as we move forward together.

🐾💛
With gratitude,
Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics

01/16/2026

As a caregiver for Chris when he had his accident in 1988, shortly after we were married (11 months), and as a 21 year old, I faced many emotional and physical hurdles when caring for Chris for many months/years. One of the many things I learned is that you need to take care of yourself so that you can take care of the person you are caring for. I was blessed to have a strong support team of family, friends and medical personnel, but that is not always the case. There are many organizations to reach out to for assistance. Advocacy is the best "medicine" for both you and the patient.

A leading caregiver advocacy organization released two new studies this week that shed light on the growing crisis facing family caregivers. Key finding: They need more help.