Arm Enjoys Many Hobbies (NAPSA)—Thanksto the wonders of medical science, many young people with physical challenges still enjoy active, happy, hobby-filled lives. One example: Adam Logan of Girard, Pa., loves trucks, tractors, cars, snowmobiles and just about anything else mechanical. He loves to tear down an engine, rebuild a tractor or repair a truck. The fact that this 18-year-old lost his left arm to cancer four years ago hasn’t stopped him from pursuing his hobbies. In September 1997, Adam fell while working in a barn. When the pain and swelling did not respond to treatment by his family doctor, Adam was referred to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Erie, Pa., for further evaluation. One of the first procedures performed on Adam was a tissue biopsy to determine the nature of the problem. The biopsy revealed malignant hemangiosarcoma, or cancer of the blood vessels. According to John Lubahn, M.D., a hand surgeon at Shriners Hospital, the cancer had probably been present for a while and was unrelated to the injury to Adam’s arm. In March 1998, Adam’s left arm was amputated just below the elbow and a month later, he was fitted with a prosthesis. He began occupational therapy twice a week and soon there was no holding him back. With determination and a positive attitude, Adam wasable to adapt quickly to his prosthesis and resume his normalactivities. It wasn’t long before Adam was back working on tractors, riding snowmobiles and, when he turned ve SEL Shriners’ patient Adam Logan enjoys working on tractors and trucks despite the loss of his left arm. 16, driving a truck. He had adapted these vehicles to fit his own needs and designed modifications to his prosthesis in order to makeit more functional. In Janu- ary 1999, Adam wasfitted with a myoelectric prosthesis, further enhancing his independence. He plays softball, repairs lawn equipment for his church and much more. For more information on Shriners’ network of 22 hospitals that provide medical care and services totally free of charge to children with orthopaedic problems, burns and spinal cord injuries, write to: Shiners International Headquarters, Public Relations Dept., 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607, or visit the Web site at www.shrinershq.org. Treatment is provided to children under age 18 without regard to race, religion or relationship to a Shriner. If you know a child Shriners can help, call 1-800-237-5055 in the United States, or call 1-800- 361-7256 in Canada.
