Hanger, Inc.

Levi was born with fibular hemimelia, leading to the amputation of his left leg below the knee. At 11 months old, he was fit with his first prosthesis by Samantha Dansby at the #HangerClinic in Birmingham, AL. For the past year, Levi has been working hard at physical therapy and has made tremendous progress! He fully surpassed the milestones for his age, and is now walking, running, and jumping his way through his toddler years in his newly fit "Jurassic Cars" prosthesis. We're excited to see him continue to learn and grow—thank you team for empowering Levi to keep zooming ahead! #EmpoweredCareers

Sgt. Justin Dodge, a 27-year veteran with the Denver Police Department, was working the Nuggets championship parade in downtown Denver last June, when crowds pushed through the barriers and swarmed the streets. During the commotion, Justin’s left leg was pinned underneath the wheel of a firetruck as it turned a corner. After numerous limb salvage surgeries, he underwent a below-knee amputation. With tireless determination and the support of his community, including his Englewood, CO #HangerClinic prosthetist, Zach Harvey, Justin has made an incredible recovery. Not only has he returned to active duty with the Denver Metro SWAT, but he’s also found a new purpose in motivational speaking and providing peer support to people facing challenges. Justin hopes his story will inspire others to always believe in themselves, put in the work, and accomplish their dreams—to "crush the hard." Kudos to Justin and his Hanger Clinic team for their admirable dedication! Learn more about Justin's empowering story here: hangernews.co/JustinDodge #EmpoweredCareers

“Hispanic Heritage Month serves as a reminder of the complexity of my identity. It’s about taking pride in who I am, in the traditions I carry with me, and in the ways I’ve been shaped by my culture, even if my appearance doesn’t fit the typical mold. It’s a time for me to stand confidently in my identity, honoring the cultural legacy that’s been woven into my life.” Meet Kim Cruzcosa, Office Manager at the Hanger Resource Center in Austin. #HispanicHeritageMonth holds a special significance for Kim as a time to celebrate and reflect on the culture and traditions that shaped her. Growing up in a mixed heritage household, Kim says she often found herself navigating between two worlds—her Mexican roots from her mom’s side, and the Scottish and English influences from her dad’s side. Kim recognizes the importance of educating those around her, helping them understand that cultural identity is complex and multifaceted. This month, she is sharing her heritage with others by discussing her experiences growing up in a mixed heritage household and inviting friends to join in celebrating her cultural traditions. #EmpoweredCareers Learn more about this year’s theme “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together” and how you can get involved: https://lnkd.in/edMsY7a

“I just held back and watched as families made connections and kids made new friends. It was life changing for some families, from making connections to seeing what is possible in the future for their child.” - Tom Current After one family’s request to connect with other families that have children with limb loss and limb difference, Milwaukee, WI Clinic Manager Tom Current and several Wisconsin #HangerClinic teams sprang into action to host a unique community event. The result was the first-ever Pediatric Prosthetic Patient and Family Picnic, held earlier this summer in Mequon, WI. Joined by The Ability Center, the team planned various games and activities, designed special T-shirts, and created an environment where both patients and their families could find a sense of community and forge new friendships. Thank you to Tom and our entire Wisconsin crew for helping to create meaningful memories that will last a lifetime! #EmpoweredCareers

A little over twelve years ago, Erin began experiencing pain in her left foot due to a congenital bone deformity called tarsal coalition. A routine corrective surgery resulted in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (#CRPS), leaving her in immense and constant pain that worsened over time. Erin, now 23, eventually lost complete function of her lower left leg, even amid countless medical trials and therapies to restore her mobility. Last June, the California native traveled across the country to undergo surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, where surgeons amputated her left leg below the knee. Now, a year later, Erin is thriving and has completed two 5Ks (thanks to a running blade from the Challenged Athletes Foundation), and returned to her favorite activities—hiking, rock climbing, acro yoga, boxing, and skiing. Erin credits the great prosthetic care from her #HangerClinic prosthetist Katherine Ching, MSPO, CPO in San Diego, CA for helping to make her mobility dreams possible. She would also like to express thanks to her partner, friends, and family for supporting her throughout her journey and celebrating her new accomplishments! #EmpoweredCareers

After being diagnosed with scoliosis in 2019, Jenna wore a brace (fit by her #HangerClinic team, Shannon O'Shea and Drew Schieber in Kansas City, MO) for almost two years. Since completing her treatment, the Bonner Springs High School student has excelled in pole vaulting and also loves to play tennis. For her senior project, Jenna decided to raise funds to support others in her community with scoliosis. Through her efforts, she was able to raise nearly $900! Jenna's journey shows just how powerful determination and community can be. We’re so proud of her amazing spirit to help others, and grateful for the positive impact of our incredible clinicians. #EmpoweredCareers

Earlier this summer, #HangerClinic teamed up with DICK'S Sporting Goods House of Sport in Johnson City, NY to host a fun-filled event for those with limb loss and limb difference. From soccer and golf to pickleball, rock climbing, and street hockey, the “Everybody Plays” adaptive field day attendees and their families enjoyed a full day of sports and activities thanks to Southern Tier Pickleball, the EASTERN AMPUTEE GOLF ASSOCIATION, and the AMERICAN SPECIAL HOCKEY ASSOCIATION. Our gratitude goes out to former NFL Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin (the first one-handed NFL player), as well as members of the Men's and Women's U.S. Amputee Soccer Team (AMERICAN AMPUTEE SOCCER ASSOCIATION) who helped make the event even more special for attendees. Thank you to the countless Hanger team members and volunteers who came together to help empower this amazing community. #OandP

Hanger is proud to partner with the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) to establish the Dr. James H. Campbell Commitment to Outcomes Award. Created to honor Hanger Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer Jim Campbell, PhD, CO, FAAOP, for his exceptional contributions to the #OandP field, the announcement was made this past weekend at the #AOPA2024 General Assembly. Nominations will take place in spring 2025, with the inaugural award recognizing an individual who has made significant and outstanding contributions to the field through exceptional dedication to achieving the best clinical outcomes for patients. Visit the Hanger newsroom to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gFKMvZqT

After sepsis resulted in a three-week-long coma and the amputation of both of his hands and legs, 65-year-old Steve Burrow simply felt grateful to be alive. "I chose right then to focus on what I can do and not what I can't do anymore," he shared. With the unwavering support of his family and clinical care from his Dallas, TX #HangerClinic prosthetist Danica Nordstrom MSPO CPO LPO, Steve regained his mobility and independence—and immediately set his sights even higher. Watch Steve's powerful story and triumphant return to the activity he loves: skydiving! To learn more about Steve's journey, visit: https://lnkd.in/g2wZPb5b #WorldSepsisDay #EmpoweredCareers

The 2024 American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Assembly is officially here! Be sure to stop by booth #939 to connect with members of the #HangerClinic team, and join us for a series of sessions and presentations on everything from the latest Hanger Institute #OandP research to assessing outcomes-based care. The impressive lineup of speakers includes Abigail Iacangelo, Billy Lester, Bretta Fylstra, PhD, David Holzman, Karyn Kessler, Laurie Johnson, Mark Elgart, Molly McCoy, Phillip Stevens, Shane Wurdeman, PhD, Todd Castleberry and many more. View the full schedule and learn more: https://lnkd.in/g6SxFzds #AOPA2024