Dreaming and Working Together

04/24/2026

Our fourth “Viernes Piernas,” or “Friday Legs,” 2026 patient spotlight: Victor! 🇵🇪❤️🦿

04/17/2026

Our third “Viernes Piernas,” or “Friday Legs,” 2026 patient spotlight: Jemina! In addition, after just learning herself, Jemina helped teach another patient how to utilize her prosthesis, further demonstrating her quick learning, leadership, and compassion. 🇵🇪❤️🦿

04/10/2026

Our second “Viernes Piernas,” or “Friday Legs,” 2026 patient spotlight: Teodoro! 🇵🇪❤️🦿

04/03/2026

Our first “Viernes Piernas,” or “Friday Legs,” 2026 patient spotlight: Hector! 🇵🇪❤️🦿

04/01/2026

03/28/2026

Yesterday marked our final day at Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión del Callao. In just five days, 50 prosthetic devices were created for patients with upper extremity, hip disarticulation, above-knee, and below-knee amputations. Our last day was dedicated to ensuring each patient could fully utilize their device, allowing prosthetists to make final adjustments for optimal comfort, mobility, and independence—before they took them home.

To close out our time, patients and staff held a heartfelt ceremony. We extend our deepest gratitude to every staff member and clinician at HNDAC. This mission would not be possible without the months of preparation and rehabilitation work they invest in each patient, setting the foundation for successful prosthetic use.

We are incredibly thankful for their dedication—and especially for the patients, whose trust and courage inspire everything we do. It’s an honor to play even a small role in helping restore mobility and support their first steps toward a new chapter. 🇵🇪❤️

03/28/2026

This trip wouldn’t be possible without the incredible clinicians who make up this team.

From prosthetists at Hanger Clinic, physical therapists from Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network, Hospital for Special Care, Connecticut Children's, and Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers, to occupational therapists from CCMC, PM&R physicians and residents from Hartford HealthCare, PT students from UConn, and orthotics & prosthetics students from University of Hartford—each of you plays a vital role.

Thank you for your generosity, your compassion, and for selflessly giving your time to be part of this mission.

03/27/2026

Day 4 and everyone has utilized their prosthesis!! The pictures tell the story.

03/26/2026

Physiatrists continued seeing patients in the outpatient musculoskeletal (MSK) clinic, performing several ultrasound-guided injections. They also provided HNDAC physicians with a hands-on lecture and demonstration on MSK ultrasound. Wound care was continued in the outpatient clinic as well.

03/26/2026

Funds raised throughout the year were used to purchase exercise equipment and toys for the pediatric department. Today, the students who led these efforts presented the gifts to the pediatric staff at HNDAC.

The pediatrics team saw two outpatient cases, including a 13-year-old with low tone who worked on following commands through play, and another patient who focused on calming and self-regulation using the ALERT technique introduced in yesterday’s lecture. On the inpatient side, the peds team fed a 3-month-old in the PICU following prior intubation after a fall. Through positioning strategies, the infant was successfully able to take a bottle. They also worked with a 1-year-old with a tracheotomy and ventilator, focusing on developmentally appropriate positioning, educating caregivers on feeding strategies, and introducing solid foods for sensory exploration. The peds team also delivered a NICU presentation on neurodevelopmental positioning, emphasizing techniques to recreate the womb environment—promoting flexion, midline orientation, 360° containment, and recoil through proper swaddling.

03/26/2026

More and more patients began using their prostheses on day three! Each team focused on reinforcing sockets, ensuring proper fit, making necessary modifications, and educating patients on how to use their prostheses to maximize mobility and independence.

In addition, PTs and physical medicine and rehabilitation clinicians rounded on inpatient units, helping mobilize patients and support their recovery.

03/25/2026

From start to finish: crafting mobility, restoring independence. 🦿

We begin by molding a custom socket using fiberglass—working quickly before it hardens to capture the perfect fit. Once set, we refine and reinforce the socket for strength and comfort. Then we add the pylon and foot, making precise adjustments to ensure proper alignment and function.

Every step is hands-on, every detail matters. This isn’t just fabrication—it’s giving someone the freedom to move again.