Fake Legs Are Expensive

I really know how to put the "break" in breakdance. So I've had this prosthesis for a little over a year now. And the liners have started to wear down and get holes on them. It’s kind of understandable, because I am pretty tough on this thing. So I went to get a prescription from a general doctor to get them replaced. Ya I know its kind of funny that I have to see a doctor to get a prescription about something I know more about than him, but that’s the way insurance works. I had my prosthetisist (say that 10 times fast) look at my leg when I was seeing him because it has been making some funny noises. Apparently I've cracked it.

Just to give you all a little education about prosthetic legs, there are 3 basic parts, the sleeve, the socket or shell, and the foot. The sleeve touches your skin and provides the most padding. Mine is specially fitted and made out of some silicone like material. The shell is made of carbon fiber. It is also custom fit to me. This is supposed to be one of the tough parts of the leg. The final part of prosthesis is the foot. This is the most expensive part, and possibly the most important for mobility.

Now I’ll give you a little history about my past breakages. My foot component is called the renegade. This foot is supposed to be one of the more advanced/durable models for high activity people. They have a warrantee that is good for two years. Within having my leg for 6 months, I've broken 2. So each time they told the company to make them stronger, and finally I think they've listened because this one still seems to be going strong. Just to give you an idea, this part of the leg costs near $7000-8000.

As I said earlier I also have worn out the sleeve. These cost about $800 and you order them in sets of 2. So I have worn out my first set completely. Not only have they developed holes, but after so much use, oils from sweat and normal use break down the silicone layer. Then they don’t fit as well, and slip off more. The lifetimes of these are 1-2 years. So I'm not so bad here. I'm skating on the minimum.

Also, I have cracked my socket. These have a lifetime closer to that of the foot. Maybe 3-5 years. I have broken this in one year. These cost around $5000. For now I have just had this patched, although they told me the that could last anywhere from 6 months to a year. Given my skills in destroying these things, I give it 3 months tops.

Now as you can see all these repairs are expensive. Who could imagine it costs so much money to be able to walk just like everyone else. So be thankful all you two legged people. Granted I do have health insurance through work, but this only covers 85%, leaving me to foot the rest of the bill. If I was rich, it wouldn't seem so bad. While I'm not dirt poor or anything, this does hold me back quite a bit. I want to be able to afford decent things, to be able to get a car, ect. I just feel already its a hurdle to have to deal with having only one leg, let alone finance something that costs as much as a car just to be able to walk and do every day things.

Granted some would argue if you have one leg you shouldn’t be breakdancing, or doing crazy sports. But I would argue why not? It’s my dream to shatter this image of disabled people and show the world what is possible with hard work and determination. Technology has come so far over the past few decades, but it comes at a price.

While I was sitting in the waiting room at the prosthetic clinic, they showed inspiring video's of people who've recovered. One stood out in my mind. There was a guy in the army who was a paratrooper/skydiver. He had an accident while skydiving and lost both legs. After recovering he got his job back in the army, and he was showing all of his legs. He had ones for biking, ones for swimming, for scuba diving, for running, for sky diving. All I could think of is how in the heck he could afford all those legs. FYI, a leg costs at least 12,000, and specialized ones are even more.

I know at this point in my life I couldn't afford those if I wanted to. So I started thinking of ways I could get better performance legs on my budget. I realize alone its not really possible. But then after much prayer and thought I have an idea. I've read about a lot of silly websites lately where people are trying to make money; one where a guy is advertising advertisement space on his webpage by the pixel, another where someone is trying to trade a red paperclip for a house. Why couldn't I do something similar? It’s for a good cause, and I think it will help more than just me; a website to share inspiration for those who need it most. That is part of my dream, to help other disabled people. But right now it’s me who needs help. I've got a few ideas. I think first I have to start a company, which I hear isn't so hard. Maybe halfstep productions, I'm open to suggestions. I think seeking corporate sponsorship is a good idea. Along with the revamp of my webpage, I can add a donation link to a paypal account. I can offer advertising space on my prosthesis's. There are plenty of ideas. I just need to plan them out. I think there are a lot of good hearted people out there who are willing to help, they just don't know how. I'm not really good at asking for help, but if I plan on helping others, I'm going to need help to do it.

So bboyhalfstep.com's face is going to have to change. I could also search for the best people in the prosthetics industry. Also try to get sponsorships from prosthetic companies. I think that if I can get all this, and get the best leg possible, it will highly increase my chances of achieving battle of the year. So if you're out there and listening, please help out. If not financially please keep your prayers with me. And keep a watch out for halfstep.

Peace
and thanks