Prosthetic . Orthotic . Pedorthic . Diabetic
Rick's Story......
. . . One day, while working in a large machine shop, my world seemed to instantly crumble. A 3000 pound piece of steel fell on my foot. Suddenly, a baseball try out didn’t seem to matter much. I was now fighting to save my leg.
For the next three years I experienced 6 surgeries and an amazing amount of pain in what would be a vain attempt, what I considered at the time, to remain whole. My right leg was amputated in 1978 at the age of 24.
Within a few months after my amputation I was playing baseball again. In fact, I discovered that my life was going on. I had to make a choice either to live my life normally or to be looked upon as a handicapped individual who needed help and expected pity from the rest of the world. I chose to live as if nothing ever happened.
I went to school for Accounting. I very quickly decided that wasn’t for me and switched my major to Architecture. During my studies I was often asked to speak to both individuals and groups about how I dealt with the injury and eventual amputation. It was at this point I was asked to consider a career in Prosthetics. I said no for the next 5 years thinking there was something else that was perfectly suited for me.
I still continued to speak about life with a prosthesis and felt good whenever I helped someone who was about to go through what I experienced. Finally, after 5 years of talking with individuals and speaking to groups I decided it was time to make this a career. I became a Board Certified, Licensed Prosthetist/Orthotist and started making artificial limbs for several different companies over the next 18 years.
In February 2001 I began Western Reserve Orthotics Prosthetics Centre, Inc. Our business has been blessed, growing steadily resulting in 3 different moves to larger and more modern facilities.
I have been blessed to help over 1000 individuals receive artificial limbs helping them get back to living their lives.
The patient always comes first at Western Reserve Prosthetics and Orthotics. I’ll never take for granted what you are going through because I go through it every day of my life.
So, if you are the next patient, I welcome you.
I wish it never happened to you, but I know, and am glad I can help and encourage you to get back to living your life.
.... To assist in the rehabilitation and/or healing process by providing state-of-the-art orthotic or prosthetic appliances in a timely manner that will allow the individual to live a more active and productive life.
.... We will do this by working with the physician or physical therapist to determine the best type of appliance for the patient's condition, and then providing the patient with the optimal fit for maximum comfort and safety.
.... Services are provided at the most convenient location for the patient~ their home, our office, or their physician/physical therapist's office. And, if possible, seen the same day the prescription is received or, within 24 hours.
