At Cornell Orthotics & Prosthetics, we’ve always believed that care goes beyond providing the best prosthetics and orthotics—it’s about fostering a supportive, connected community. That’s why we recently partnered with Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital to host the “Limb-it Less Together” event, a day designed to bring the limb loss and limb difference community together for education, connection, and fun.
This event was more than just a showcase of innovation; it was an opportunity to highlight the incredible collaboration we’ve built with Whittier over the past 30 years. As Keith Cornell, our founder, explained, “We wanted the event to showcase our collaboration and make a fun day for the public. What’s so extraordinary there is how patients get all the services they need in one place. The caregivers work as a truly interactive team.”
A Visionary Partnership Built on Decades of Collaboration
For over 30 years, Cornell Orthotics & Prosthetics has been providing prosthetic and orthotic services at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, a collaboration that we have nurtured since the company’s founding. At the heart of our partnership with Whittier is a commitment to providing patients with holistic care. Whether a patient comes in for prosthetics or orthotics, they have access to a full range of services. If wound care or therapy is needed, it happens on-site, without delay. This team approach ensures that every aspect of a patient’s treatment is addressed in real time, making it an extraordinary model of care.
We were proud to share this with attendees at the event, showing them firsthand how integrated care makes a difference in patients’ lives.
Highlighting Groundbreaking Prosthetic Innovations
The event also served as a platform to showcase some of the latest advancements in prosthetic technology—an area we are passionate about. One of the standout innovations was the CJ Active-Fit user adjustable socket, which has allowed many patients to control the fit of their sockets, improving comfort. Attendees were also impressed by the Evanto foot, known for its shock absorption and ground adaptability, and Ottobock’s X4 knee, a cutting-edge microprocessor knee that represents the future of prosthetics.
These innovations represent a future where individuals with limb loss can live more comfortably and independently. The “Limb-it Less Together” event gave attendees the chance to experience this technology firsthand, and for many, it was life-changing.
Building a Strong Community Support System
Beyond the cutting-edge technology and holistic care, the true heart of the event was the sense of connection and support it fostered within the limb loss and limb difference community. For many, living with limb loss can bring feelings of isolation. Events like “Limb-it Less Together” offer a vital opportunity to break through that isolation and build meaningful relationships. “Prosthetics is a small field, and some people feel isolated,” Keith shared. “This was a chance to socialize with others in a golf lesson, riding a handcycle, playing corn hole, or sharing a burrito with a new friend.”
The event also connected attendees with important community resources, including COPAA, the amputee support group. Posie Mansfield, the president of COPAA, emphasized the importance of supporting one another: “Helping each other is at the core of what we do. We know the challenges of limb loss because we’ve lived it, and that shared experience allows us to uplift and inspire each other.” COPAA is dedicated to providing peer support, education, and advocacy for those living with limb loss, and their presence at the event helped show participants that they are never alone in their journey.
By bringing together resources like COPAA and Northeast Passage, a disabled sports group, we ensured that attendees left with both valuable information and a deeper sense of community and camaraderie.
A Story of Triumph: Bill Lodge’s Journey
One of the most inspiring moments from the day came from Bill Lodge, a PGA golf professional with over 55 years of experience, who faced a life-changing challenge after losing a significant part of his foot following surgery. Despite the difficulty of his recovery, Bill was determined to return to the sport he loves. Reflecting on his journey, Bill shared, “I feel very honored and blessed that I have the opportunity to work with Keith and the entire team. As a golf professional, you don’t realize how rewarding it is to be able to get up again and play after losing a limb. My life went from discouraged to encouraged, and now I go out every day to enjoy life and the game I love.”
At the event, Bill was not only back on the golf course but also teaching others, demonstrating his resilience and dedication. His story is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of proper prosthetic care and the strength within the limb loss community. Bill’s journey reminds us of what’s possible when hope, determination, and the right support come together.
Looking Toward the Future: Expanding the Vision
The success of our “Limb-it Less Together” event has inspired us to make it an annual tradition. With new prosthetists joining our team and a continued commitment to innovation and community, we are excited about the future.
At Cornell Orthotics & Prosthetics, our mission is to support the limb loss and limb difference community in every way possible, whether through groundbreaking prosthetic technology or creating opportunities for connection. We look forward to continuing to serve and grow with this incredible community in the years to come.
Cornell Orthotics & Prosthetics is committed to transforming the lives of our patients and building a stronger, more connected community. The “Limb-it Less Together” event is just the beginning of a future filled with hope, support, and groundbreaking advancements.
