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Danny Andrews |
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My name is Daniel Andrews, I attended the University of Miami and graduated from Arizon University, and a Paralympic gold medalist in 2000 and 2004. In 1996, at the age of 14, my left leg was amputated below the knee. My amputation was the result of a broken leg. Being a child, and an athlete, I was devastated. When I learned about the Paralympics, and saw what other amputees were doing, my devastation turned into determination. I was determined to get back on the soccer field, which is where I broke my leg. I tried to get back on the field again as soon as the doctor said it was ok, but I had a lot of problems with the prosthetic foot, sores from the prosthesis, and a hard time finding a prosthetist that I liked. Just over a year after the amputation, and four prosthetic facilities later, I met Bill Copeland. I finally got a leg and a prosthetist that I was happy with, and that year I returned to the soccer field with my high school team. Within half a season I was playing for the Varsity team. |
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I tried to get back on the field again as soon as the doctor said it was ok, but I had a lot of problems with the prosthetic foot, sores from the prosthesis, and a hard time finding a prosthetist that I liked. Just over a year after the amputation, and four prosthetic facilities later, I met Bill Copeland. I finally got a leg and a prosthetist that I was happy with, and that year I returned to the soccer field with my high school team. Within half a season I was playing for the Varsity team. |
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My return to track took a lot longer, and wasn't really all that serious until the end of 1999, but when I decided that I did want to run track again. Copeland Prosthetics and Research made my running leg. We spent hours at the track making sure that everything was perfect. In the summer of 1999, I ran at the O&P Summer Games. I ran there with almost no training and no expectations, I just thought it would be fun. By the time the meet was over I knew that if I trained hard I would be able to be competitive. It was during my senior year of high school that I began to take track seriously again. Knowing that the Paralympics where comning up, I decided that I wanted to run track for my high school. I ran the 800m, 4X800m, and 4X400m on the varsity team, When the school year was over I qualified to go the Paralympics 
trials for the 800m. I won my race at the trials and qualified to go to Sydney, Australia. Just being able to go to Australia and compete with the best athletes in the world was an honor, but winning my race in world record time, and seeing the American Flag being raised, is the best feeling in the world. I returned to the Paralympics in 2004 and earned 3 more Gold medals. I would just like to thank Copeland Prosthetics and Research for helping me achieve my dreams. |
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Roger Cleworth |
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My first prosthetist ignored my warnings that it was painful when I
attempted to stand up on prosthetics for the first time. My mind searched
his face for legitimacy and found that I lacked knowledge to discern the
truth. My ego told me I can do anything I set my mind to and I stood up
anyway. Tears quickly joined my gritted teeth and I once again searched
the face in front of me for My first steps as a bi-lateral below-knee amputee were placed one after the other as the slogan "Baby Steps, Baby Steps" played over and over in my determined mind. With a walker firmly under my arms straightened for support, I had enough to deal with without having to overcome pain. The decision I made to change prosthetist was one of my best. Thank you God. The next grace of God was to steer me under the supervision of Bill Copeland. To this day Bill Copeland remains unique to any other, in providing me with an informative, proper, and pain free fit. Being an amputee also, I believe Bill's personal experience allows him to empathize with his patients in a way others can't. Together with his incredible staff I am confidently with the best. In the past 7 years as an amputee, my life has been enriched. Often I get accolades for walking so well on prosthetics. Strangers approach me and ask me for confidence in dealing with a loved one who has lost their legs. This sharing of my story with others has been a blessing in my life. In September 2004 I competed in the Paralympics on the 2004 US Sailing team for which I received a bronze medal. I was able to meet many others in Athens who can prove that a disability is only in your mind! Recent Sailing Accomplishments2007 Silver Medal IFDS
World Championships, 3 person keelboat
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signs that something was not right, but I was
standing! Asking to sit down, subconsciously begging to relieve the pain I
was experiencing, I was told to try taking a step, the pain was something
I was going to have to get use to. | |
Renee Roulo | |
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Nothing prepares you for limb loss. One day I was riding my motorcycle and feeling so confident about my ability to ride. Whammo! I got hit by a car without brakes. My left leg was amputated that day leaving two inches below the knee. After a skin transplant and many months of healing I was finally ready to be fitted for a prosthesis. But who do you chose to do that? My first thought was the closest prosthetic office to my home so you could easily get something fixed. However, my surgeon and my daughter both suggested I search for someone I would feel comfortable with and who offered high technology prosthetics with cosmetic appeal and an expertise in fitting very short residual limbs. While still in my wheelchair I used those months of healing to interview prosthetists to find out what they could do for me. My search took me across the state of Florida. I found Copeland Prosthetics and Research after eight interviews . My life was beginning to be restored. I chose a physical therapist who was familiar with amputees and soon I put away the walker, cane and crutches and pushed hard to learn to walk on my new prosthesis. I've somehow embraced this disability to do the things I love most. Dancing was most important, but skiing down the Rocky Mountains wearing my prosthesis and holding two ski poles is just as thrilling. I play golf,swim and walk the beach. My experience has taught me that all prosthetists are not the same. There are only a few at the top. I'm glad I found Copeland Prosthetics and Research . 
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Eric Prossliner
My name is Erich Prossliner and I am from Austria. I lost my right leg above the knee due to cancer. Before I lost my leg, I was on the Austrian Junior Soccer Team and was on the way to becoming a professional soccer player. I heard about Bill Copeland and the great results he was getting with even the most difficult to fit amputees. We heard about his practice all the way over here in Austria from other patients that have been to see him with great success. I contacted Copeland Prosthetics after years of pain and discomfort, not being able to do the things that I felt I was capable to do. After only a very short time I was able to walk and even run with my new leg. I knew I had the right man for the job. My family is very happy with the results because now I am able to walk and play with my son as fathers should do. Years ago I started another sport, Archery. With my new leg I was able to
take part in International competitions and even competed at the Paralympics
in Sydney 2000. This was a dream come true. I owe a big part of my success to Copeland Prosthetics
for making my life a lot better. My quality of life is so much better not
being in pain all the time and being able to walk longer distances due to
the comfort and stability. It wont be too long and we will be back to
Florida again for another replacement prosthesis. Thank you Copeland
Prosthetics for all that you do to help people like me. |
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