He makes superhero hands for kids, delivers magical gifts by printing 3D prostheses
As I attach a prosthesis to a very young child, I explain the guidelines of play, allowing them to explore and experiment. It truly feels like magic when they make a movement and the possibilities dawn on them. We go from being strangers to feeling like a family, united by a unique and unforgettable experience. I feel astounded every single time.
- 1 year ago
July 8, 2023
Franco Mazzocca is dedicated to designing and printing 3D prostheses to help especially children. With the use of recycled components, he created his first 3D printer. Today he teaches robotics. | Photo courtesy of Franco Mazzocca's team
MENDOZA, Argentina — As I walked into my meeting with a three-year-old little girl who needed a prosthesis, my heart pounded with anticipation and tears welled up in my eyes. She had no fingers on the palm of one hand. As we walked into the room, she hid timidly behind her mother’s legs. I carried the 3D prosthesis I made her, together with a team called C3D, utilizing a free model from the organization Enabling the Future.
After all the hard work, we finally stood face to face and I presented her with the light blue prosthesis, which resembled Elsa’s glove, her favorite character from the movie Frozen. We carefully placed the prosthesis on her hand to ensure a proper fit. With it, she should be able to perform a clamping action, allowing the hand to open and close.
At first, it did not elicit the desired muscle movement, but after a moment, she opened and closed the prosthesis on her own. Her face lit up with delight and she began to laugh and play. She eagerly grasped objects, looking at us with a mix of wonder and happiness. I became determined to do anything in my power to help people like this little girl.
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3D printing technology allows people without a limb to unlock their full potential
As a student on my college campus, I became fascinated with 3D printing. One day, I began gathering recycled materials to build my own printer. Scouring the internet, I found a free hardware program called Prusa i3. When I put it all together, I had something that worked. Immediately, I wanted to use it for good, to assist people with accessibility issues. I focused on creating prostheses and supporting the vision impaired.
Now, as a teacher specializing in Robotics and 3D Modeling, I primarily direct my efforts toward children. For far too long, parents of children missing limbs had to wait for their child to grow before fitting them with a new prosthesis, and they incurred substantial expense. With 3D printing, I can easily assemble a cost-effective prosthesis for a child, and when they outgrow it, I simply create a new one.
With each child I encountered, I came to understand we do not replace what is missing. Each person we encounter is perfectly complete, even in the absence of a limb. We simply offer a tool to enhance their capabilities and make their lives easier. As we place the prosthesis on their body, we watch in awe as they exercise their muscles, preventing atrophy. Witnessing the magical moment when we connect a prosthesis to someone who never had one before and watch them use it, offers us an immeasurable reward. The patient becomes empowered, embracing their uniqueness and unlocking their full potential.
Now he has a superhero hand
As I attach a prosthesis to a very young child, I explain the guidelines of play, allowing them to explore and experiment. It truly feels like magic when they make a movement and the possibilities dawn on them. We go from being strangers to feeling like a family, united by a unique and unforgettable experience. I feel astounded every single time.
The first case I ever worked on involved a seven-year-old boy. He had a hand malformation, missing several fingers. We arrived at the location and began conducting the tests. An immediate bond formed between us. We took the measurements of his hand and began searching furiously through available designs to assemble a suitable prosthesis. In a week’s time, we finished the piece, using red and blue colors to honor his favorite superhero – Spiderman. My mother even sewed a sleeve to connect to the device
When the little boy received his prosthesis, he asked, “Can I start wearing a glove with real fingers?” The question touched me deeply and I knew, now he can ride a bike and do all the things he longed for.
Today, this little boy proudly wears a work of art – a robotic hand that resembles those of superheroes in the movies. An incredible chain of generosity made it all possible. Helping others this way produces an immeasurable sense of peace, and fuels us to keep going. We constantly seek new projects to collaborate on.
I believe, it is through acts of kindness, we grow as individuals and become the best possible version of ourselves. From that first success story, we have embarked on a learning journey and everyone involved has been affected by it.
