Michael Shannon Foster
Medford, Oregon
Do you have a family?
Yes, I am married and we have 4 children. The ability to be involved in their daily life is very important to me. With my disability I have been restricted from their activities. In fact, before GlideCycle™ I did not have any activities of my own which we could do together.
What is your Ailment?
I have a right leg amputation with a disarticulated hip and damage to my left leg and knee. I have had multiple skin grafts on the left leg from foot to thigh. I have arthritis in the right side of my back as well as a hard mass the size of a basketball due to no hip movement for last 10 years.
When did your Ailments start?
I lost my leg in a work related accident June 10, 1998. I was caught in a 2 ton rolling press that amputated my right leg and crushed my left leg from my foot to 1 ½” below the knee.
Where does the GlideCycle™ affect your life?
Last year I was interested on trying a bicycle for the first time. I wanted to ride with my children. Unfortunately, I was never able to find one that fit my needs. In September, I heard about GlideCycle™. With the GlideCycle™ I have a fit that supports my body and feels comfortable. I am now FREE to run. For the first time, since my amputation, I do not feel disabled. My children are watching me run. The kids and the family dog now run with me. I feel the GlideCycle™ has given me an opportunity to be mobile again and to exercise. The GC benefits both my body and my mind.
Why is the GlideCycle™ important to you?
The GlideCycle™ has changed my life and gives me the freedom to be a productive member in society. It allows me to enjoy my family and their lives in ways that for the last 10 years I have not been able to do. I cannot describe to you what this means to me.
How does the GlideCycle™ affect your aliments, be specific?
With the use of the GlideCycle™ I have built up my left leg muscles so that I am able to walk further and longer in my prosthetic device. My balance has improved so I am less likely to fall. I know this is due to the suspension of the GC seat. I have no tissue break down in my left leg or thigh. Because of many skin grafts, I thought this might be a problem with either my foot or my groin/thigh area. There have been zero issues. I know this is because of the design of the seat. It is more comfortable than my wheelchair and keeps my body is aligned better.
Final thoughts on the GlideCycle™, anything you want others to know, maybe something we didn't ask?
The ability to move and get out of my wheel chair is a gift that other amputees seek. To a great extent, wheelchair-limited amputees are removed from most normal life and things you take for granted. The GC gives back a more normal life. It helped me mentally and physically. The GC has strengthened my whole body so I am able to walk longer and further in my prosthetic. What GC has allowed me to do can be done by amputees everywhere. GlideCycle™ gave me mobility and freedom and can do the same for other amputees who want to walk or run.
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