In Bolivia, it is exceedingly difficult for any low-income amputee to get a prosthetic limb due to lack of availability and funds. Our project's goal is to ensure that 50 low-income Bolivian amputees will walk again with a durable and functional prosthetic leg. The ability to walk again will allow these amputees to regain their sense of dignity, allow them to find employment, and contribute to their families and communities.
There are approximately 10,000 amputees in Bolivia. However, there are virtually no prosthetic clinics for low income amputees. The sad irony here is that that the low-income segment of the population is most likely to have a limb amputated due to diabetes, traffic and/or work accidents, cancer, and congenital defects.
This project ensures that 50 low-income amputees will receive a prosthetic limb. In addition, these patients will also receive sufficient physical therapy so that they can walk again, secure employment, and support their families. Without the ability to walk, a Bolivian amputee suffers tremendous depression, suicidal thoughts, discrimination, and limited access to any employment opportunities.
Working Bolivian amputees will no longer be confined to their homes, where they feel like a financial and emotional burden to the family. Instead they will be able to hold their heads high in society, pursue their dreams, contribute to their communities, and support their families.