Caitlin Hutson, a seven-year-old girl from the UK, has become the youngest person in the country to be fitted with a bionic arm. Due to a rare congenital condition called symbrachydactyly, Caitlin was born with only one fully formed hand, which had five shortened fingers but no bones. This made simple tasks like holding cutlery and a dinner tray at school difficult for her. However, a recent community fundraising effort changed Caitlin’s life. Last week, she received a bionic arm worth £18,000 and her mother, Maria, confirmed that Caitlin is already experiencing newfound confidence and joy in her abilities.
Caitlin is thrilled about her newfound capabilities, such as eating ice cream and high-fiving her friends when she returns to school. Maria expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this dream come true and noted how Caitlin’s confidence has increased tremendously in just 24 hours. Caitlin is now strutting around the garden and dancing with her bionic arm, and Maria finds it heartwarming to witness. Caitlin’s condition, symbrachydactyly, affects only one in 32,000 births and is characterized by shortened fingers, often webbed and fused. More severe cases involve missing fingers replaced by small skin formations. For Caitlin, even brushing her hair was challenging. However, her parents discovered a solution in a high-tech but expensive bionic arm.
Caitlin’s parents joined a waiting list for a bionic arm, specifically the “hero” arm, offered by Open Bionics. In December last year, they visited the company in Bristol for an appointment. Open Bionics creates low-cost 3D printed bionic arms that are fully functional, allowing users to grasp, pinch, and high-five. The cost of a bionic arm is over £13,000, not including fitting expenses, prompting Caitlin’s parents to start a GoFundMe campaign. The Hodsons’ community came forward with donations and support, allowing them to raise £18.5k, which covered the cost of the bionic arm and an extended warranty. The extended warranty ensures that the arm can be replaced as Caitlin continues to grow, with coverage for the next five years. Caitlin has adapted quickly to the bionic arm and is enjoying her new abilities.
Caitlin’s mother, Maria, expressed immense pride in her daughter, highlighting how Caitlin serves as an example that disabilities do not hinder people. Maria mentioned that tasks taken for granted by others can be challenging for Caitlin, and the bionic arm has given her independence, boosting her confidence. Maria believes Caitlin’s story will inspire others, showing that disabilities do not have to limit one’s abilities. Typically, bionic arms are available for children aged eight and above, but Caitlin qualified for her first hand at age six. Another young child, seven-year-old Louie Morgan-Kemp, was recently fitted with an Ironman-themed “hero” arm.
Co-founder of Open Bionics, Sammy Payne, stated that Caitlin is the youngest user to date, emphasizing how children use their hero arms for various everyday activities. Payne also highlighted the appeal of the hero arm, as children can customize its appearance with different covers, allowing them to express their individuality. The unique bionic arm serves as a symbol of empowerment and possibility for children like Caitlin.
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