In Case You Missed It ...
Jun 29, 2009 2:54 pm US/Central
Texas Charity Helping Patients Take New Steps
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Abdelali Elfilali is about to take his first step toward independence.
In January 2008, the 58-year-old had his leg amputated after diabetes led to an infection. His son, Rahim, brought the ailing father to the United States from Morocco, seeking help. And he found help through the Houston-based charity called Limbs of Love.
"He's gaining weight, happier and getting a leg," said Rahim. "It's beautiful."
The charity provides artificial limbs to Texas patients who cannot afford them. They have partnered with Dallas-based Baker Orthotics and Prosthetics to ensure that patients get the perfect fit. "This prosthesis has a bendable knee joint and ankle motion as well, in the ankle," explained Gordon Stevens with Baker.
After a couple of fittings and a test socket, it's time to try on the new leg.
"What this prosthesis will do is allow him to rid himself from a walker, wheelchair and crutches," Stevens said.
Once he gets used to the new leg, Stevens said, Elfilali should be able to sit normally and walk with a normal gait.
"This is what we do, help people every day," said Stevens. "From time to time, we find a number of clients out there that don't have resources to get prosthesis. We feel it's our obligation to assist those individuals that we can to get a prosthesis."
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
RAW VIDEO: 100-Mile Police Chase
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
Comments