Episode 15 of Season Two of the We’re Not Stumped podcast features Penta Medical Recycling. My guests from this great organization are founder Henry Iseman, Deputy Director Anna Szczepanek and Director of Operations Mijamin Strong.
The organization was founded in 2016, when a group of university students established Penta Medical Recycling with a dual mission: to make affordable prosthetic care accessible in low- and middle-income countries while repurposing medical waste in the United States.
This initiative stemmed from the recognition that a staggering 85-95% of the world’s 100 million amputees lacked access to proper prosthetic care and equipment. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of still functional but slightly outdated prostheses were being replaced and discarded annually in the United States.
Penta discovered a solution to address both of these pressing issues simultaneously. By collecting and refurbishing used prosthetic and orthotic equipment in the United States, they could declutter private homes, ease the burden on clinics responsible for disposing of unusable devices, and, most importantly, restore the ability to walk, work, and thrive for amputees worldwide.
In 2018, Penta Medical Recycling was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since then, it has evolved into a global operation collaborating with government health agencies, both private and public healthcare institutions, and various nonprofit organizations, both within the United States and internationally. Penta’s operations have expanded to encompass 16 different countries across six regions worldwide.
Links:
Penta Medical Recycling Website: https://pentaprosthetics.org
Penta Medical Recycling Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penta.medical.recycling/
Penta Medical Recycling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/penta.medical.recycling/
Penta Medical Recycling LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/penta-medical-recycling/
#amputee #amputeelife #amputeestrong #prosthetics #prostheticleg #amplife #amputation #limbloss #amputees #adaptiveathlete #disability #amputeefitness #prosthetic #prosthesis #disabled #adaptive #iamadaptive #amputeelifestyle #oneleg #amputados #bionic #inspiration
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland covers three impactful stories from the community. First, we explore a fundraiser organized to assist a young amputee and their family. Next, Mike discusses a tragic incident at Grace Hospital, where an amputation error resulted in the removal of the wrong leg, sparking an investigation. Lastly, Mike highlights the work of AbleGamers, a nonprofit organization making gaming accessible for people with disabilities.
In this uplifting episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland shares remarkable stories of amputees who are making a difference. Starting with a West Virginia teen who became a beacon of strength and positivity for his family after amputation, showing how resilience can inspire loved ones. Next, a dive into the journey of a double amputee who’s pursuing his dream of playing baseball. Finally, a spotlight the Beautifully Made Community, a group empowering those with physical differences to embrace their unique beauty.
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland welcomes Susan Fumagalli, a true inspiration and advocate for amputees around the world. Susan opens up about her personal journey through limb loss and her experience with osseointegration—a groundbreaking technology that has changed her life and could reshape the future of prosthetics for countless individuals. Susan shares her story, from the physical and emotional challenges of losing limbs to the hope and transformation that osseointegration has brought to her life.
Leave A Comment