She walked around the POPS clinic room beaming with pride, her eyes sparkling as bright as the silver high heels shoes she was showing off – and that was only the first pair of legs she would receive that day. Up next was a set of specifically fabricated rock-climbing feet, which would also help Grace reach new heights.
Just this summer, Grace’s interest in rock climbing really intensified. While visiting an indoor climbing facility near her home, she admitted she looked up at the wall and thought to herself, “I’ve got to get to the top.” From that moment, the team in POPS has been figuring out exactly how to help her do that.
In addition to her climbing feet prostheses, they also created individualized rock-climbing arms with special hooks to help Grace get a better hold on the climbing wall’s grips and overhangs. The combination will provide her with more stability as the bilateral amputee navigates a new sport.
“Onlookers are often inspired by Grace’s grit and determination,” Stephen said. In fact, “regulars” at their neighborhood climbing facility have also expressed their excitement to see what she can accomplish next with her new rock-climbing gear.
Grace is also an avid reader who enjoys fantasy stories about dragons and epic adventures. She loves to draw and sometimes uses the books she reads as inspiration for her own art. The 11th-grader also excels academically, and is a proud member of her high school’s National Honor Society. She enjoys participating in the Art Club and Chem Club, where she and fellow students work together on cool experiments like making their own popping boba. “Science can be pretty fun,” she said.
As her interests continue to evolve, her hobbies may change. What remains constant is the support and services the POPS team provides, who eagerly await to see what Grace does next. With her “can do” attitude, the possibilities are endless, and we know nothing will ever slow her down.
More About POPS
Shriners Children’s Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services designs, fits and manufactures orthotics and prosthetics for children, from infants to teenagers and young adults. These devices – including shoe inserts, braces and artificial limbs (both arms and legs) – provide the support children need to meet their full potential and pursue their dreams. For more information on POPS and how to schedule an appointment, please call 800-237-5055 today.
