Help Taj Get His Hero Arm

We are asking our community to please consider donating to a local family in need, and more importantly a local child in need. Taj- local to Caroline County where he has lived his entire life was born with “Symbrachydactyly” of the left hand. Now 8 years old, it is becoming apparent that being born without a left hand has not held him back and his resilience and ability to adapt is admirable. Taj excels at learning new skills to help him maintain his independence to the best of is ability but there are still some abilities he is yet to maintain. Since Taj was 2 weeks old- we’ve attended several appointments at John Hopkins and have discussed multiple operative resolutions and surgeries to increase his adaptability. Taj has been in active care since his diagnosis but after long thought and consideration we decided the surgeries were too high risk and the lifelong effects may not outweigh the solution being offered.

Fast forward to 2019, where we attended a camp in Michigan hosted by the “Lucky Fin Project.” We were in awe of a camp bringing individuals together from all over the United States as well as different countries where kids and adults of like disabilities can interact. We were amazed at how many families could relate to our day to day challenges and that point we felt less alone and more hopeful for what Taj’s future would look like. This camp also provided us with the knowledge and information on prosthetics, adaptive equipment and adaptive clothing.

This is when we were introduced to revolutionary prosthetic company that were in the early stages of production. We were so touched by their initiative and we have followed their journey ever since! This year we received a phone call with a life-changing opportunity from them- Open Bionics. We were offered a “Hero Arm.” This prosthetic company creates a “myoelectric prosthesis” which would allow Taj the full use of his left hand which has never been possible before. The prosthetic is very costly and insurance has unfortunately denied coverage if it.

The total cost for the prosthetic is $23,999. We understand that raising this amount of money will be a process and if you are able to help we appreciate it and if you’re not to just share by word of mouth.

The prosthetic company does require that the device be paid for in full before production begins. After the payment is submitted Taj will have to travel to Colorado to Open Bionics to be fitted and measured for his hero arm. We will then learn more information on length of production and time frame. After receiving his prosthetic, he will then continue his weekly Occupational therapy appointments focusing on use of his hero arm. I know we have a strong village behind us and a community that loves and supports Taj. Thank you for taking the time to read this and please consider donating to make a little boy’s daily struggles less so. #TajsHeroArm