Day 2 - A Day with Winter!

This was what the trip was all about. Earlier in the year Ashlyn and a fellow blogger's daughter ( http://www.bornjustright.com/) Jordan had the incredible opportunity to meet Kevin Carroll, Vice President of Prosthetics for Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics. Mr. Carroll is co-creator of Winter the Dolphin's "helper tail". This was also the first time the girls had the opportunity to meet each other and there was an instant bond. We had no idea at the time that we would be presented with such an incredible opportunity!!

After this meeting Ashlyn and I began the process of working with Hanger Prosthetic and Orthotics in Independence, MO for her new myoelectric arm as well and her swim arm. They have been so fantastic to work with. From there we had the opportunity to meet with several media outlets to discuss the opportunity to meet Winter live with the help of the Hanger Prosthetics foundation. Oh yeah. You better believe we were excited. We made plans with the other family and worked with Mr. Carroll's assistant (Ms. Carol Wade) and set our sights on Florida for this October trip! Fast forward to last week - we woke up early on Wednesday (after arriving at 1am the night before) and headed for a quick breakfast. Our limo was waiting outside promptly at 9am to take us to Clearwater, FL for the big day. The limo was impressive to say the least. Jordan and Ashlyn sat behind Jen (Jordan's mom) and I and picked up where they left off several months earlier and as if no time had passed at all. It was definitely an "Ahhhhh" moment. *smiles*

We arrived at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium 2 hours later and ready to meet the animals. We were given the royal treatment with a tour guide showing us the ins and outs of the aquarium and the different aquatic life that has found their new home at this very special place. Ashlyn and Jordan looked at the animals swimming above as soon as we walked in.

After touring the facilities the girls (and Jordan's brother, Cameron) were given an even better special treat. The chance to get up close and personal with Winter herself. Yeah, I'm jealous that I didn't get to touch this beautiful creature. However, watching the kids enjoying this moment was even better to me. It made my heart all warm and fuzzy. *smile*

They got to touch her, feed her, wave at her, talk to her. It was more than incredible...but I am at a lack of words to describe how awe struck I was. It was....beautiful!

Oh yeah...Ashlyn totally kissed her!! *squeal*

We enjoyed the afternoon at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, learning about the different animals that live there, how they came to be there and how the aquarium gives them an incredible place to live, make friends and be happy critters.

After the aquarium we managed to squeeze an hour in at the beach. Clearwater is absolutely gorgeous. I could easily live here. We walked into the water and strolled around on the beach.

On the way back to Orlando, we all caught a quick nap in the limo. We needed a little refresher before heading to the Magic Kingdom that evening.

We made our way to the Magic Kingdom to change our Not-So-Scary trick or treating tickets from Tuesday (when we got in at 1 am) to Thursday so we could enjoy this special treat. We decided to explore the Kingdom while we were there. It was nothing like I expected...it was even BETTER!
We stayed for the fireworks and then decided we were exhausted and wanted to get some good sleep in order to enjoy a full day at the parks on Thursday.

Ashlyn barely stayed awake for the ferry ride back to our hotel. We had a terrific day with Winter and friends. This was probably the best day EVER!!

(Pedometer Steps: 9,682)

The New Arms are fantastic!!

We finally made it to the end of the process...well almost. We picked up Ashlyn's new helper arms yesterday.

She has a new PINK swim arm which is lightweight and, of course, waterproof. Now we just have to find a good indoor pool to give a try. She really likes this one since it will help her swim and she has and incredible interest in Winter the Dolphin right now, so she totally sees the benefit of this one. Though, I must say, she is quite and incredible swimmer without it. I think she maybe a candidate for a swim team already. She's amazing!

Dr. Keith told her about the pink dolphins and we are excited to learn more about them too. Hmmm...maybe she will be a dolphin trainer some day. That would be okay with this momma!

We also got her new myoelectric arm. Wow. It's fantastic!

It will take quite a bit of adjusting and practic to operate it, but I think she'll get the hang of it in no time. It's a little heavier than the swim arm but once she learns to use it as a tool, I have a feeling she will become a super user.

She learns things so fast (like how to work my phone, how to navigate the internet and computer games) that I think this new helper arm will be a breeze to learn.

We are going to start Occupational Therapy as well, so that might give her an added incentive and insight on how to use it and how it can benefit her in some activities.

Hanger Prosthetics has been absolutely fabulous to work with. I would ABSOLUTELY recommend them to anyone that needs prosthetics or orthotics. Our appointments were easy and fun. We really liked the prothetist (Dr. Keith) we worked with also. In fact, the entire office team was great. So fortunate to be able to do this, and close to home. Very thankful to everyone that had a part in making this happen for Ashlyn. She's going to do amazing things!!

Creating Ashlyn's 1st Myoelectric Arm

This is going to be a longer process than when we went to Shriner's for her mechanical arm. That arm required a harness and it never really fit "right" for her. It was very cumbersome and she got very little use of out it. It was done in 2 appointments. One for the casting...one for delivery. This time, we are making sure it's done so that she will use it by making it fit right and by teaching her to use it correctly.


We are going to Hanger Prosthetics and Orthodics in Independence, MO. Instead of 4 hours each way, it takes 15 minutes each way...in traffic. Super excited!


Day 1 - August 15, 2011

Today she was cast for her new arm. She did everything exactly the way he (Dr. Keith - her Prosthetist) asked. She could not have been better. Once that was complete, we headed to the mall for a quick carousel ride and then we went to lunch at Logan's Steak house. It was a good day for all.

Dr. Keith casting Ashlyn for her 1st Myoelectic Arm

Day 2 - August 17, 2011

Today we just went in to see if the mold fit her correctly. This is one of the most important parts because if the mold doesn't fit her like a glove then the measurements will be off, it won't stay in place when the weight of the prosthetic is added, it just won't work properly for her at all. Unfortunately, the first mold did not meet all of these criteria so adjustments will have to be made. It's okay though, because I know the end result will still be amazing!!

Waiting to see if the mold fits

Day 3 - August 22, 2011

Today we went back to see if the mold would fit correctly. Well, it certainly did. It fit perfectly. Dr. Keith added a weight to it to see if she had any strength or range of motion. Incredibly, she had both. She could move the weight around (it was long like an arm and weighed the same as the prosthetic device will when this is complete). She raised it up and touched his nose with the end of it, which means she has the range of motion as well as muscle control. Yay Ashlyn!

Just like Cinderella's glass slipper, the mold fits perfectly!

The next step will take a little longer as they will work with all the information they have as far as weight, length and range of motion. Now they will begin work on her new arm with everything except the actual electric part. Once we have the next step complete then we work on the electric part and then begin OT so she can learn to use it the way it was designed. :) Did I mention I'm super excited to see how this works for her when it's done. SOOO excited! Then we will get her swim arm done as well. Woo hoo!!