Syracuse, N.Y (NCC News)– A local amputee support group is educating youth on how 3-D technology can improve a person’s quality of life. EnMotion Amputee Support Group is working with STEM students at the AT&T Hand in Hand Program. Quadrilateral amputee and president of the group Ken Sieperman (SEE-purr-men) says working in this field can be very fulfilling.
In a recent interview with Sieperman, he said “Working on, on prosthetics can be technically challenging and very rewarding and you also, at the end of the day, can improve somebody’s quality of life.”
Sieperman emphasized that the younger generations of students have the unique ability to change someone’s quality of life ten-fold by creating technologically advanced prosthetics. Inspiring youth into joining this industry is not the only thing the group does. The support group works together with the Amputee Coalition of America as well as all of the Syracuse-area hospitals to help all amputees in need. Being able to provide guidance through their hospital peer visits can help clear the minds of new or expecting amputees. Sieperman made it clear that he wants the group to welcome all as one big family.
The support group also meets once a month with an emphasis on mental health. The group was unable to meet during the height of COVID-19 in 2020, but has been able to resume meetings in the Spring of 2021. They are worried about the future, and do show concerns for this virus. With a rise in COVID-19 concerns, Sieperman says the group will be cautious and follow present and future C-D-C guidelines. Hope within the group is still high that they will be able to continue their meetings as Sieperman believes the meetings are essential for the mental health of all who participate. The group tries to meet at various locations for cookouts, bonding, sharing experiences, and listening to all amputee’s stories. The support group is open to welcoming any new amputee and their spouse/loved one to future events.
The group meets once a month and plans to work with other community programs in the future.
