Combined Efforts to Provide Aid In Mexico is Met By Able Hands

In the quiet little pueblo of Coyotitan at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains, you will find an amazing place known as PROJIMO (“Programa de Rehabilitación Organizado por Jóvenes Incapacitados de México Occidental" or "Rehabilitation Program Organized by Disabled Youth of Western Mexico"). PROJIMO is a rural health program, started by David Werner, that is dedicated to rehabilitating and improving the lives of disabled people. Most of PROJIMO’s employees are disabled themselves and provide an inspiring example of incredible ability despite “disability”.

Last week the cooperative, nonself-serving efforts of The Barr Foundation, along with HealthWrights, Sierra Orthopedic Laboratory, Hanger Orthopedic Group Inc., Becker Orthopedic Appliance Co., and Foresee Orthopedic Products made it possible to support and progress the prosthetic program at PROJIMO. Jon Batzdorff, CPO, Sierra Orthopedic Laboratory, Santa Rosa was accompanied by Garrett Hurley, Prosthetic Resident, Hanger O & P, Oakland, California in providing the prosthetic aid. During the trip the team accomplished evaluation prescription recommendations for a new group of 14 amputees, fabrication and fitting of a challenging case, follow-up on patients seen on previous PROJIMO trips, administrative management, and education for the tending prosthetist, Marcelo Acevedo. “The success of this project was due to all of us being able to work together as a team with the Barr foundation and PROJIMO to get the job done,” stated Jon Batzdorff. However, it is apparent from all those involved that this was more profound then just a trip to make some legs for poor people in Mexico. “Seeing the disabled workers at PROJIMO working to help others has been an inspirational experience that I will never forget,” reported Garrett Hurley.

“PROJIMO is a truly remarkable place that everyone should see for themselves, especially those involved in healthcare,” urged Jon. Through funding from non-profit organizations, private donations, David Werner’s book sales, PROJIMO’s self-sustaining income through the Spanish language program, toy making program, and sliding scale system, PROJIMO has developed a facility that allows them to provide custom wheelchairs, orthoses (braces), prostheses (artificial limbs), physical therapy, occupational therapy, and informal counseling services. PROJIMO and the community itself provide a strong example of empowerment and accomplished rehabilitation. Culture is rich within the people and in every authentic home cooked meal. Home stays within the community as well as professional Spanish lessons for volunteers, visitors, or patients are also available.

For more information about PROJIMO visit: http://www.projimo.org.mx/
To donate componentry or for more information contact Anthony T. Barr, Barr Foundation, 561.394.6514 or visit www.oandp.com/barr
For more information about HealthWrights, visit www.healthwrights.org

Other donors included:
Hanger Orthopedic Group Inc. - http://www.hanger.com/
Sierra Orthopedic Laboratory, Inc. - http://www.sierraortho.com/
Becker Orthopedic - http://www.beckerortho.com/
Foresee Orthopedic Products - http://www.4corthopedic.com/