Personal stories from empowered clients
Hear how our clients experienced a better quality of life after working with Partners in Medicine to obtain one of our assistive devices.
Shane Burcaw, Jaco Robotic Arm user
Meet Shane Burcaw, disability advocate and author of “Strangers Assume My Girlfriend Is My Nurse.” See how he is making the world a more inclusive place for people with disabilities and how the Jaco Robotic Arm is making a difference in his life.
Paula Davidovich, O540 Arm Support user
Hear from Paula, who is living with Acute Flaccid Myelitis, and uses the O540 to gain not only independence, but “a degree of dignity.” She speaks about how the O540 has transformed not only her activities of daily living, but also her own confidence and feelings of social connection. She also talks about how positive her relationship with PIM has been.
Mary Nelson, Jaco Robotic Arm user
This is a inspiring story of Mary Nelson, a teenager with Spinal Muscular Atrophy who has not let her disability stop her from achieving her dreams. Despite the challenges she faces on a daily basis, Mary has found success in the equestrian world, showing her horse in competition using her Jaco arm. This video is a testament to Mary’s determination and spirit, and is sure to inspire others who are facing adversity.
Paul Vaughn, Jaco Robotic Arm user
This video features Paul Vaughn, an assistant director at Kennesaw State University and user of the Jaco Robotic Arm for eight years. Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2, Paul is still discovering the full capabilities of the arm. In this testimony, we learn how Paul has been empowered to live it to the fullest by the capabilities of the Jaco Robotic Arm.
Tommy Wilmerton, O110 Arm Support user
Hear Tommy’s mother and occupational therapist talk about how the O110 Arm Support has not only helped Tommy to achieve greater mobility in his arm, but has brought him joy and confidence.
Dr. Rex Marco, Jaco Robotic Arm user
Dr. Rex Marco is a musculoskeletal oncologist and reconstruction spine surgeon who was injured in a bike accident that left him with C3 quadriplegia. The Jaco Robotic Arm has helped him connect better emotionally with his young son, as he is now able to more easily play and interact with him. This amazing device has given Dr. Marco back some of his independence and improved the quality of his life.
Bill Faia, Jaco Robotic Arm user
Hear from Bill Faia, a Jaco user living with ALS, as he discusses how his Jaco robotic arm, “Charlie,” has allowed him to gain independence and confidence. He also discusses his experience working with Partners in Medicine: “These people are devoted to what they’re doing and they really want to make the journey as good as can be.”
Joseph “Seph” Ware, O540 Arm Support user
Meet Joseph Ware, a young man with a passion for life. Despite having Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Seph has never let that stop him from pursuing his dreams. With the help of the O540 Dynamic Arm Support, Seph can now accomplish daily life tasks that were once impossible for him. This amazing device has given him back his independence and allowed him to live life on his own terms.
Guadalupe Vaught, O540 Arm Support user
Since using the O540, Guadalupe’s life has changed dramatically. She used to wear a strap around her arm and in her mouth to move her arm for most of her life. She suffered from neck, arm and teeth pain. With the O540, Guadalupe has gained more independence and freedom from pain. The O540 has helped her do things that she never thought were possible like eating and typing at the same time, or chewing gum.
Kevin Schaefer, Jaco Robotic Arm user
Kevin Schaefer is a writer and Jaco user who was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. He uses Jaco for daily and work related tasks, including writing for BioNews, a media company network of rare disease websites. In this video, Kevin demonstrates how Jaco helps him live a full and more independent life. Kevin is an inspirational example of how technology can help create opportunities for people with disabilities.
Dyani Peterson, Jaco Robotic Arm user
Dyani Peterson is a inspiring biomedical engineering student and user of the revolutionary Jaco robotic arm system. Get to know her inspiring story as she reveals how this cutting-edge technology has given her more independence, freedom, and confidence while following her dreams in STEM.
