3D printed prosthetic arms and hands

Julio received a prosthetic hand and fingers, donated by Bolivians Without Disabilities. Here is Julio's story:

In 2019, Bolivia was plagued by violent clashes, in which the Bolivian people suffered about ten deaths and 100s of injuries. Among them was Julio, a 42-year-old father of six children.

Julio was the victim of a dynamite attack that caused him to lose his left hand and three fingers of his right hand. Dynamite in Bolivia is readily available in many places because it is used extensively in the mining industry. In those areas, dynamite can be purchased in the same tiny shop that also sells alcohol and Coca-Cola. It is mostly homemade and can be quite unstable. In addition to its use in mining (and even celebrations), it is also used during street protests.

Julio lives in an area of Bolivia called Las Yungas. His only income came from coca leaf farming, which is used for traditional consumption. Most Coca in Bolivia is chewed to provide mild stimulation, on the order of a cup of coffee. The vast majority of Bolivians chew Coca leaves and it is sold in big bags on many street corners.

But generally, Coca farming does not provide much income to the farmers. And Julio was no exception. He and his family live a very simple life and, before the accident, his family had enough to survive. But now, as the previous majority breadwinner out of a job, Julio was unable to finance the prostheses he needed. His wife takes care of the children and the household but does not have an outside income.

Touched by his story, and sensitive to his cause and the courage he has shown in fighting criminal groups who were trying to destroy his neighborhood, we decided to give him our support and respond to the call of his family to provide him with the hand and fingers that he needed.

Julio now has a new prosthesis and can work again and contribute to his family again. He can also carry his head high with dignity and not feel like a burden to his wife and children.

(Note, as always, this story was translated into English, and the name was changed to protect her privacy).

Every month, your ongoing donations will give ever more amputees like Julio a new lease on life and an opportunity to regain their livelihood and happiness.

Links:

• Bolivians Without Disabilities home page