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Just a few months ago, prior to my Standtall experience, I had no idea what progress rehabilitation was at in our modern society. For one, I was ignorant to the point that I thought prosthetic limbs were still simply for cosmetic purposes, with limited functional capabilities. I would never have imagined that some earthquake patients with prosthetic limbs were able to cycle, let alone being able to run on a 400m track with Standtall’s “C-leg” adapted for running. |
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During my weeklong experience, I acknowledged above all that Standtall is not merely an organization that offers emergency aid during the immediate time of turmoil. Rehabilitation also proves to be a key part of the Standtall’s mission. This is, in my opinion, even more relevant to the patient as they need the proper equipment and training to reunite with the society. As I have witnessed, Standtall achieves this by providing both physical aid through prosthetic limbs and training plus mental preparation by enhancing the patient’s confidence and self-esteem. It is especially the latter, unique emphasis on mental preparation from professional personnel that drew my attention most. |
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To illustrate this, one of the most significant memories traces me back to my very first day with the Standtall team when a teenager walked into the office. He was a fair-looking young man roughly the same age as me and installed with a prosthetic limb originating from above the knee. What drew my attention was his diffident nature unlike the majority of kids of our age. When instructed by Angelina, the physiotherapist from Standtall to walk and move about, his eyes revealed to me a sense of uncertainty and fear, causing a lack of confidence in his own abilities. Hence I was rather shocked when Angelina asked this young man if he wanted to try riding on the bicycle again with his prosthetic limb. As I had anticipated, the teenage patient quietly shook his head and turned away. |
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Sharing by Yannick Yu |
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June 2010 |
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