Blog #3

Surfer Bethany Hamilton was faced with a life changing accident in 2003 when she was 13 years old. When she was surfing on Halloween with her friend Alana (and her family)  at one of her favorite surf spot she was attacked by a shark. When Bethany was faced with this obstacle she had only one option to tackle it and get back into the water to do what she loved. She knew that with God by her side she was capable of surfing again. With here amazing and inspirational story she is definitely a huge role model to many younger surfers and ever people who are not surfers.
After reading the book Soul Surfer I was confronted with the question of what I would do if one day I woke and one of my arms was gone. Personally I have no idea what I would do. I feel that initially I would be very upset but I think that I would be able to accept the situation and try to continue living my life day by day. This book also made me realize that you can't take anything for granted because at any given moment everything can be taken away. For me skiing is a huge part of my life, similarly to the way surfing is a part of Bethany's life. If I were to loose my arm in a skiing accident I think that I would have a similar drive to get back out on the slopes doing what I love to do. Seeing how Bethany used her faith to overcome this huge obstacle I feel that I would have my family and friends to help me get through the situation.

Bethany after the attack

Bethany and Alana a few weeks before the attack

Bethany's website -- http://bethanyhamilton.com/galleries/photos/

Blog #2

          Our first visit to QoLT was a great learning experience. It was exciting to see the different uses for robotics that apply to assisting people with disabilities. The advanced robotic technology for mechanical arms was intriguing. Hearing first hand from a person who has experienced life with a prosthetic was also eye opening. The different opinions about the use of mechanical prosthetic arms compared to non-mechanical arms is another interesting aspect. The view that she had only ever know the arm she had and did not think that she would want to make the switch to mechanical. She seemed to think that if someone was getting there first arm as a mechanical arm the transition may be easier. She was also the first person I have meet who has a prosthetic arm.
          The facility was wonderful. The different labs and rooms that we visited seemed to serve their purpose very well. The robotic arm that Dr. Brewer was working on was interesting. The research that she was doing about people who had previously had a stroke of some sort was insightful. The information that Dr. Brewer shared with us about HERB was amazing. I find it amazing that a robot can preform to such a high degree of intelligence. 

Blog #1

          I researched the Eldorado Z-axis prosthetic climbing foot. I was previously unaware of how advanced prosthesis could be. I found this very intriguing. This particular system for rock climbing is amazing. I had no prior knowledge that rock climbing could be preformed using a prosthetic. Climbing is a very difficult sport that requires an extensive amount amount of strength; just the fact alone that a prosthetic can with stand this great amount of strength. I think that this apparatus would be a great tool but would present a number of challenges; but overall be a beneficial experience.
          This article describes the specifics about the climbing foot system.The foot itself is created using lightweight yet very durable material. Another feature specific to this foot in particular is that there is no right or left. The climber can wear there normal rock climbing shoe over the foot just like they would do for their other foot.

Article link - http://www.oandp.com/products/trs/sports-recreation/climbing.asp