Care That Changed Everything

I’ve had a few memorable moments in my prosthetic journey; some funny, some frightening, and every one of them has made me even more grateful for the team at Syracuse Prosthetic & Orthotic Center.

One of the scariest moments happened back when I was using a pin-lock system. I had gone outside early in the morning and the next thing I knew… I woke up lying in the street after slipping in the snow. My prosthetic leg was three feet away from me.

Thankfully, I was right across from my house, and a family member came out with my walker and helped me get back inside. Once I was settled, I called SPOC to explain what happened.

Instead of making me go all the way down to Fayette Street, hoping the leg stayed on during the drive, they came directly to my house with a torque wrench to fix it.

It took them maybe five minutes.
But to me, it meant everything.

That’s the kind of above-and-beyond support they’ve given me from day one. “No problem,” they said. “We’ll help you out.” And they always have.

Support That Shows Up Anywhere

There was another time when I was in the hospital for surgery. I used prosthetic socks, and somehow, during the chaos of pre-op, my socks disappeared. I figured I’d have to figure that out later.

But after physical therapy, I came back to my room and there, sitting neatly on my bed, was a new set of socks. I still don’t even know who dropped them off. SPOC just makes things happen.

Any time I’ve needed anything: lotions, stump antiperspirant (which I didn’t even know existed), supplies, adjustments, they handle it. And they run everything through insurance, so I don’t have to deal with the paperwork.

If you’ve ever had to navigate insurance, you know that alone is a gift.

When I got my very first prosthetic years ago with another prosthesis, I had to be the middleman, running paperwork between the doctor’s office, the prosthetist, and the insurance company. I was faxing forms left and right. With SPOC, that stress is gone.

They take care of it so I can focus on living my life.

Normalizing My Leg, One Kid at a Time

One of the things that’s surprised me most on this journey is how kids react.

Years ago, a little boy saw my prosthetic and called it my “robotic leg.” And honestly? I loved it. It stuck. Even now, kids still call it that.

It’s a term of endearment, not something negative. I don’t make a big deal out of it, and neither do they.

But one moment really got to me.

At the end of a summer session in the education department, where I work, a kindergartner came up to me and asked if she could give me a hug. I said yes, and she wrapped her arms around my leg and whispered:

“I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”

I told her, “I’m not, because I never would’ve met you.”

When her mom came to pick her up, she recognized me immediately. “So you’re the man with the leg. My daughter won’t stop talking about you.”

And I thought: good.
Because the next time she sees someone with a limb difference, it’ll be normal to her.
That’s my goal, to help normalize disability.

Living Fully, At My Own Pace

I’m also part of a nonprofit called The ManKind Project, which runs experiential men’s weekends. At first, the staff weren’t sure what I’d be able to do. They tried to limit me.

But I told them:

“When I can’t do something, I’ll tell you. I’m not going to put myself or anyone else in danger. Otherwise, let me go.”

And they did.

Whether it’s going through a “gauntlet” exercise or doing a trust fall where the men catch you as you fall from a ladder, I participate fully. My prosthetic isn’t something that holds me back. It’s just part of who I am now.

Why SPOC Matters to Me

People often think prosthetics are just about mechanics. Fit the socket, adjust the alignment, tighten a bolt here or there.

But to me, it’s always been about the people, people who show up at your front door when something scary happens… who bring you supplies you didn’t even know you needed… who fight with insurance so you don’t have to… who make sure that your life keeps moving.

SPOC has done all of that for me; consistently, without hesitation.

They’ve made my life easier.
They’ve kept me safe.
They’ve helped me stay independent.

And honestly? They’ve made this entire journey something I can be proud of.