ABC News shares the story of the first child to receive an arm bone prosthetic.
A few months ago, Josalyn Kaldenberg’s future looked bleak. The 8-year-old was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer, and faced a possible arm amputation. But, just four days before the scheduled amputation, things began to turn around.
Her mother reached out to Moffitt Cancer Center, located in Tampa, FL. The center, which specializes in prosthetic bone surgery, is renowned for its’ treatment and research. Here, Dr. G. Douglas Letson offered his services free of charge.
Dr. Letson proposed that Kaldenberg be the first child to receive a bionic elbow. This had never been done before because, unlike adults, children’s bones are still growing. However, with a new expandable prosthesis, it is now possible for young children to have prosthetic bones. As Kaldenberg grows she will have to visit Tampa annually to have the prosthetic lengthened. However, she will not have to undergo surgery. Instead, Dr. Letson will make a small incision and expand the prosthetic with an Allen key.
Because it was the first of its kind, insurance didn’t cover the procedure. So, Letson offered to perform the surgery free of charge and was able to get the prosthetic at a discounted price. The hospital offered its resources at no cost as well. Fundraisers have also assisted the Kaldenberg family with other expenses.
Without hesitation, the family accepted the offers. Today, Kaldenberg’s arm is almost completely functional. Although her shoulder will be a little weaker, her wrist and elbow are already working as if she had never had the surgery. This young girl has also been given a second chance at life. Thanks to her chemotherapy treatment, the chances are likely she will come out of this cancer free.
There is no doubt Kaldenberg is a fighter. She has already accomplished the one thing she set out to do after surgery…play the piano.
See the bionic elbow in action.
A few months ago, Josalyn Kaldenberg’s future looked bleak. The 8-year-old was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer, and faced a possible arm amputation. But, just four days before the scheduled amputation, things began to turn around.
Her mother reached out to Moffitt Cancer Center, located in Tampa, FL. The center, which specializes in prosthetic bone surgery, is renowned for its’ treatment and research. Here, Dr. G. Douglas Letson offered his services free of charge.
Dr. Letson proposed that Kaldenberg be the first child to receive a bionic elbow. This had never been done before because, unlike adults, children’s bones are still growing. However, with a new expandable prosthesis, it is now possible for young children to have prosthetic bones. As Kaldenberg grows she will have to visit Tampa annually to have the prosthetic lengthened. However, she will not have to undergo surgery. Instead, Dr. Letson will make a small incision and expand the prosthetic with an Allen key.
Because it was the first of its kind, insurance didn’t cover the procedure. So, Letson offered to perform the surgery free of charge and was able to get the prosthetic at a discounted price. The hospital offered its resources at no cost as well. Fundraisers have also assisted the Kaldenberg family with other expenses.
Without hesitation, the family accepted the offers. Today, Kaldenberg’s arm is almost completely functional. Although her shoulder will be a little weaker, her wrist and elbow are already working as if she had never had the surgery. This young girl has also been given a second chance at life. Thanks to her chemotherapy treatment, the chances are likely she will come out of this cancer free.
There is no doubt Kaldenberg is a fighter. She has already accomplished the one thing she set out to do after surgery…play the piano.
See the bionic elbow in action.
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