Starting to make progress with my website. It's now finally ready to start building so hopefully it will be running within the next week or two. At this stage I'm trying to find someone who has experience with Wordpress who can help me build it as I want it to look great, so if anyone knows someone with experience in Web Design and/or Wordpress I'd greatly appreciate it if they could give me an email address or something so I can get in touch.
In terms of fundraising I've got lots of ideas, it's just a case of organising and putting them into action.
The ideal scenario is to raise money not only for me, but more importantly a charity of my choosing that specialises in giving prosthetics to those who cannot afford the more functional ones (as lets be honest, they cost an arm and a leg!) The aim is to raise minimum £5000 for charity, I'm hoping for more but it will be a huge undertaking so it will naturally take a lot of time. If anyone wants to get involved or has any ideas I'd love to hear them :-)
Hope to hear from you, I'd really appreciate your support in this huge challenge x
Monday, 21 November 2011
Monday, 14 November 2011
Website
Hi everyone,
It's been a while but I've been trying desperately to get my website up and running with little success.
I'm hoping to get it up within the next few weeks and then the real hard work will start...
I'm currently trying to come up with Fundraising ideas/ways to donate. If you have any ideas I'd greatly appreciate it!
I'll keep you all posted with the website and fingers crossed we can get it going soon, web design is SO confusing. Hopefully with a little help we can do it :-)
It's been a while but I've been trying desperately to get my website up and running with little success.
I'm hoping to get it up within the next few weeks and then the real hard work will start...
I'm currently trying to come up with Fundraising ideas/ways to donate. If you have any ideas I'd greatly appreciate it!
I'll keep you all posted with the website and fingers crossed we can get it going soon, web design is SO confusing. Hopefully with a little help we can do it :-)
Friday, 21 October 2011
First Fundraiser
Today we had the first Fundraiser in aid of my prosthetic.
What a brilliant school, thank you all for coming together and putting on the Fair.
The raffle was a great success with over 200 tickets sold in 4 hours - I am now a Champion ticket seller!
It wouldn't have been possible without Lee, Anne and Rachel so thank you ever so much for organising it.
A big thank you to those who donated personally, every penny counts and believe me when I say, I truly do appreciate it.
What a wonderful start, now to get my brain into gear and start planning more events...
What a brilliant school, thank you all for coming together and putting on the Fair.
The raffle was a great success with over 200 tickets sold in 4 hours - I am now a Champion ticket seller!
It wouldn't have been possible without Lee, Anne and Rachel so thank you ever so much for organising it.
A big thank you to those who donated personally, every penny counts and believe me when I say, I truly do appreciate it.
What a wonderful start, now to get my brain into gear and start planning more events...
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Initial In-Person Assessment
Hi everyone,
It's been a while since I last posted I know. I'm been keeping myself busy the last couple months, enjoying my Summer holidays and quietly working on the next step in my journey.
After countless emails to the prosthetic company I was ready to go for my first assessment, in person, where I would know by the end of it whether or not I was going to be able to proceed with this particular prosthetic.
So, bright and early Monday morning I arrived at the Clinic, where I was greeted by a very friendly member of the team who gathered information regarding my previous use of prosthetics and what I wanted out of this potential one (predominantly to improve my daily life, the little things such as tying my hair myself, chopping and cutting food, carrying and holding objects, computer shortcuts etc). After the general details were slowly sifted through I was finally shown a demonstration model of the arm. It was explained in great detail, and with much excitement I was handed it to play with. I've never seen anything quite like it, although it had the glove on it, instead of the lifelike glove, the sheer aesthetic is intriguing to say the least. As for the weight, I was pleasantly surprised by how light it was, all things considered...
Much to my disappointment I handed it back and we began the lengthy process of the trying to find my muscle signals that I will need to operate the hand. The back one came with ease, as this is the muscle I used for years to operate my old prosthetics. However, I've never required a second muscle for functionality before. Annoyingly, my back one was so strong that it kept interfering with the front, but after much poking and prodding with signal sensors (many strained facial expressions may I add that were apparently rather amusing) and failing to light up the impulse box, I eventually found the shy muscle and after repeating the action for roughly half an hour I was hooked up to a hand.
It was the most incredible experience! I'm obviously used to operating prosthetics before, but it only had one movement - open and close the hand. This one however, is the bees knees of functionality. I managed to get fairly good at opening and closing, adjusting open and close percentages and at the end of it (even if I do say so myself) I was feeling rather smug and proud of my poor, tired little arm muscles.
After all this excitement and muscle exercise I was given exercises to do by the physical therapist in preparation for the prosthetic (if I do decide to go ahead with it).
It's now up to me to decide if it is worth the investment or should I wait until something else comes along. I'm not going to rush, I'll take my time and I've been talking it over with friends and family.
At this precise moment in time I'm leaning towards yes, and I'm unbelievably excited, however, I mustn't rush this and make it for the wrong reasons. It will be a tough one that's for sure!
It's been a while since I last posted I know. I'm been keeping myself busy the last couple months, enjoying my Summer holidays and quietly working on the next step in my journey.
After countless emails to the prosthetic company I was ready to go for my first assessment, in person, where I would know by the end of it whether or not I was going to be able to proceed with this particular prosthetic.
So, bright and early Monday morning I arrived at the Clinic, where I was greeted by a very friendly member of the team who gathered information regarding my previous use of prosthetics and what I wanted out of this potential one (predominantly to improve my daily life, the little things such as tying my hair myself, chopping and cutting food, carrying and holding objects, computer shortcuts etc). After the general details were slowly sifted through I was finally shown a demonstration model of the arm. It was explained in great detail, and with much excitement I was handed it to play with. I've never seen anything quite like it, although it had the glove on it, instead of the lifelike glove, the sheer aesthetic is intriguing to say the least. As for the weight, I was pleasantly surprised by how light it was, all things considered...
Much to my disappointment I handed it back and we began the lengthy process of the trying to find my muscle signals that I will need to operate the hand. The back one came with ease, as this is the muscle I used for years to operate my old prosthetics. However, I've never required a second muscle for functionality before. Annoyingly, my back one was so strong that it kept interfering with the front, but after much poking and prodding with signal sensors (many strained facial expressions may I add that were apparently rather amusing) and failing to light up the impulse box, I eventually found the shy muscle and after repeating the action for roughly half an hour I was hooked up to a hand.
It was the most incredible experience! I'm obviously used to operating prosthetics before, but it only had one movement - open and close the hand. This one however, is the bees knees of functionality. I managed to get fairly good at opening and closing, adjusting open and close percentages and at the end of it (even if I do say so myself) I was feeling rather smug and proud of my poor, tired little arm muscles.
After all this excitement and muscle exercise I was given exercises to do by the physical therapist in preparation for the prosthetic (if I do decide to go ahead with it).
It's now up to me to decide if it is worth the investment or should I wait until something else comes along. I'm not going to rush, I'll take my time and I've been talking it over with friends and family.
At this precise moment in time I'm leaning towards yes, and I'm unbelievably excited, however, I mustn't rush this and make it for the wrong reasons. It will be a tough one that's for sure!
Friday, 10 June 2011
Evaluation and Quotations
After a very long two weeks waiting to hear back from the prosthetic company about my patient form I sent them along with numerous photos of my arm from all angles and arm positions they got back to me today.
They informed me of my prosthetic options - 1. a partially functional, more cosmetic arm. 2. nearly fully functional prosthetic I had originally set my sights on.
What's the point of getting a cosmetic arm when the whole point of this exercise is to improve my independence, functionality (and confidence).
The price jump between the two is significant but I am going to push ahead with the more functional prosthetic (£46,500, gulp!). Apparently the hand along weighs 5kg's, that's not even taking into consideration the arm and elbow. Add to this the fact that in order to attach it I will require a cast shoulder on top that reaches over my chest and back! ...I'd better get myself to the gym and start bulking up so I can actually stand and not collapse under the sheer weight of it. As my boyfriend put it, "You're gonna look like Rambo on one side!" how lovely :-P
The next step is to get to grips with all the legal mumbo-jumbo jargon in terms of legal requirements that must be adhered to for fundraising - it's about 32 pages of things I don't understand. This should be interesting. Once I get that, I can begin planning the fundraising.
They informed me of my prosthetic options - 1. a partially functional, more cosmetic arm. 2. nearly fully functional prosthetic I had originally set my sights on.
What's the point of getting a cosmetic arm when the whole point of this exercise is to improve my independence, functionality (and confidence).
The price jump between the two is significant but I am going to push ahead with the more functional prosthetic (£46,500, gulp!). Apparently the hand along weighs 5kg's, that's not even taking into consideration the arm and elbow. Add to this the fact that in order to attach it I will require a cast shoulder on top that reaches over my chest and back! ...I'd better get myself to the gym and start bulking up so I can actually stand and not collapse under the sheer weight of it. As my boyfriend put it, "You're gonna look like Rambo on one side!" how lovely :-P
The next step is to get to grips with all the legal mumbo-jumbo jargon in terms of legal requirements that must be adhered to for fundraising - it's about 32 pages of things I don't understand. This should be interesting. Once I get that, I can begin planning the fundraising.
Friday, 27 May 2011
Application for funding
Today Mat, Krys and myself applied for funding for our documentary. We've submitted a detailed account of what it's about, our goals for the doc and various other bits of information about us and our situation.
Fingers and toes crossed that we manage to get funding as we really need a camera and equipment as filming on a flip cam and smart phones simply won't cut it. We're cutting a teaser trailer to submit with our application in hopes of increasing our chances of success.
If we got it, it would make a huge difference having a camera of our own, we would have much higher quality rushes to work from and access to it 24/7, where as at the moment we don't.
Fingers and toes crossed...
Fingers and toes crossed that we manage to get funding as we really need a camera and equipment as filming on a flip cam and smart phones simply won't cut it. We're cutting a teaser trailer to submit with our application in hopes of increasing our chances of success.
If we got it, it would make a huge difference having a camera of our own, we would have much higher quality rushes to work from and access to it 24/7, where as at the moment we don't.
Fingers and toes crossed...
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
The balls rolling...
So after a week of research I'm beginning to make the baby steps to get the ball rolling on this mammoth project!
I'm in the process of setting up my website thanks to people around me willing to donate their time and energy in order to help me.
I've got one of my best friends raising money for me whilst running a half marathon in September!
I'm in talks with my old school about a Christmas Fair, in which the proceeds will in theory be going towards my fund.
There's a whole notebook of ideas compiled with the efforts of my amazing friend who is already doing a fabulous job! The ideas are starting to stack up. I'm beginning to realise just how much work this is going to be, I've no idea how we're going to juggle university and this at the same time...yikes! No-one said it was going to be easy so it's time to suck it up and get on with it. Here we go!
I'm in the process of setting up my website thanks to people around me willing to donate their time and energy in order to help me.
I've got one of my best friends raising money for me whilst running a half marathon in September!
I'm in talks with my old school about a Christmas Fair, in which the proceeds will in theory be going towards my fund.
There's a whole notebook of ideas compiled with the efforts of my amazing friend who is already doing a fabulous job! The ideas are starting to stack up. I'm beginning to realise just how much work this is going to be, I've no idea how we're going to juggle university and this at the same time...yikes! No-one said it was going to be easy so it's time to suck it up and get on with it. Here we go!
Saturday, 21 May 2011
First step: Applying
So...
After finding out yesterday that I was eligible for my new bionic prosthetic arm, I filled in my application form, giving details on my 'residual limb' including several photos for analysis so they can see how big it will need to be, from what point to start, how to fit it to me. From this I will know the price.
I've been told roughly £44-48,000! I have to say, I did know in the back of my mind it would be this much, considering it's robotic, but I don't know how I'm going to come up with that amount of money!
Time for me to do some serious thinking as to how I'm going to achieve this. Where there's a will there's a way!
After finding out yesterday that I was eligible for my new bionic prosthetic arm, I filled in my application form, giving details on my 'residual limb' including several photos for analysis so they can see how big it will need to be, from what point to start, how to fit it to me. From this I will know the price.
I've been told roughly £44-48,000! I have to say, I did know in the back of my mind it would be this much, considering it's robotic, but I don't know how I'm going to come up with that amount of money!
Time for me to do some serious thinking as to how I'm going to achieve this. Where there's a will there's a way!
Friday, 20 May 2011
New Discovery
Hi,
I'm Camilla, a student living in London, currently studying Broadcast Post Production at Ravensbourne.
The thing that makes me different? The fact that I was born with only my left arm and partial above elbow stump on my right. I've never had a definitive answer as to why I am the way I am, only speculation (mostly related to the fact that I was born 3 months premature). However, I count my lucky stars as my twin sister wasn't as fortunate and passed away after 10 days. So I chose to suck it up and get on with it, instead of letting it define who I am, I embraced it and rolled with the punches. It's been one helluva roller-coaster let me tell you.
Ever since I was a baby I've had a prosthetic arm, they were very basic back then, only having the option to open and close my 'hand' through muscle movement in my stump. This was extremely limiting (it was too strong to hold unstable things such as yoghurt pots and water bottles etc. I found them heavy and threw my balance out. All in all they were a hindrance - I couldn't use a ruler anymore, couldn't cut my food as I had without it. So at the age of 15 I stopped getting functional prosthetics and went for a cosmetic one. An arm to just hang at my side and fulfill the missing visual gap. This stopped the staring, but again, I found it incredibly difficult to adapt to and not get in the way of my way of doing things. After a year I stopped wearing it altogether and to this day, 6 years on, I haven't worn one.
For a while now I've been researching into functional prosthetics to see what advances had been made. I struggled to find ones that were geared towards people who had been born without limbs. Instead, they all seemed to be for amputees, operating on their ghost nerve endings and muscle impulses to operate them in terms of movement. I was starting to feel frustrated as although I'm used to the staring and questions, going to university and meeting so many new people really threw me back into the feelings and insecurities I had as a child.
I kept up the search, every couple months re-checking the situation when I stumbled upon a company with a prosthetic model that came out in 2007, with a new model released more recently, which created the world's first powered prosthetic hand with articulating digits. (More on this to follow).
I was super excited to see this so I emailed them regarding the prosthetic, whether I'm eligible to be fitted with one...
I'M ELIGIBLE!
I'm Camilla, a student living in London, currently studying Broadcast Post Production at Ravensbourne.
The thing that makes me different? The fact that I was born with only my left arm and partial above elbow stump on my right. I've never had a definitive answer as to why I am the way I am, only speculation (mostly related to the fact that I was born 3 months premature). However, I count my lucky stars as my twin sister wasn't as fortunate and passed away after 10 days. So I chose to suck it up and get on with it, instead of letting it define who I am, I embraced it and rolled with the punches. It's been one helluva roller-coaster let me tell you.
Ever since I was a baby I've had a prosthetic arm, they were very basic back then, only having the option to open and close my 'hand' through muscle movement in my stump. This was extremely limiting (it was too strong to hold unstable things such as yoghurt pots and water bottles etc. I found them heavy and threw my balance out. All in all they were a hindrance - I couldn't use a ruler anymore, couldn't cut my food as I had without it. So at the age of 15 I stopped getting functional prosthetics and went for a cosmetic one. An arm to just hang at my side and fulfill the missing visual gap. This stopped the staring, but again, I found it incredibly difficult to adapt to and not get in the way of my way of doing things. After a year I stopped wearing it altogether and to this day, 6 years on, I haven't worn one.
For a while now I've been researching into functional prosthetics to see what advances had been made. I struggled to find ones that were geared towards people who had been born without limbs. Instead, they all seemed to be for amputees, operating on their ghost nerve endings and muscle impulses to operate them in terms of movement. I was starting to feel frustrated as although I'm used to the staring and questions, going to university and meeting so many new people really threw me back into the feelings and insecurities I had as a child.
I kept up the search, every couple months re-checking the situation when I stumbled upon a company with a prosthetic model that came out in 2007, with a new model released more recently, which created the world's first powered prosthetic hand with articulating digits. (More on this to follow).
I was super excited to see this so I emailed them regarding the prosthetic, whether I'm eligible to be fitted with one...
I'M ELIGIBLE!
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