ALLOWED TO BE A CHILD: HOW LIANA RIDES AND SWIMS AGAIN THANKS TO MACU4

Modern society often demands constant activity.  For individuals living with limb loss, this expectation is not simply a social norm—it becomes a health-related necessity. Yet, it is harder staying active having no hand, arm, foot or leg.

In most cases, individuals with limb differences require a prosthesis to prevent a range of physical issues. After receiving a prosthesis, they go through an extended period of observation and adjustment, only to sometimes realize that the expensive device still doesn’t meet their personal needs.

An active way of life is one of the most important factors in the process of a prosthesis choosing. Ironically, high-end devices don’t always support the level of leisure activity desired—especially for children. 

That is the case of Liana, a cheerful 10-year-old girl whose parents are continually seeking new devices to improve her quality of life. Born without her right hand, Liana used a myoelectric prosthesis. Some time ago the family discovered and decided to try a device from the Swiss start-up Macu4.

After several years of trial and adaptation, Red Line Foundation helped to replace the previous system, resulting in greater happiness and freedom for Liana. Now Liana can ride a bike and attend compulsory school swimming lessons. It is hard to assess what matters more to her – the gentle physical exercise from swimming or feeling integrated in the group of her school friends.  

Rodion Butko, the President of the Board of Trustees of Red Line Foundation believes firmly that every improvement in the life of a young patient is worth the investment in each new prosthesis.