Her left forearm and hand were amputated when Faith Lennox was just nine months old, but thanks to a 3D printer at Build It Workspace in Los Alamitos, she received and tried on a new left hand on Tuesday, March 31.
Faith’s left hand and forearm were amputated when she was an infant. During her mother Nicole Lennox’s labor, the circulation to Faith’s left forearm was cut off resulting in Compartment Syndrome, a common crush injury in adults and children. It was so rare in neonatal that Faith was only the 25th reported case.
Due to the lack of circulation, the skin and muscle tissues died and had to be surgically removed during the first three weeks of her life. At six months old, the bones in her forearm broke and would not heal due to the syndrome. At nine months old, it was decided that amputation was Faith’s only option.
Faith adapted quickly and has thrived despite her limb difference. She tried a couple of prosthetic options but they have been too bulky and uncomfortable plus can be quite costly. A professionally made, muscle-actuated hand can cost $6,000 to $10,000 while a myoelectric hand can cost up to $40,000.
But now, 3D printing has emerged as a viable and less expensive option.
Thanks to a non-profit organization called e-NABLE and Build It Workspace President Mark Lengsfeld, Faith has a new hand for $50.
Faith’s new hand took approximately 24 hours to create.
The Lennox’s are involved in many organizations related to their daughter’s limb difference, including the Lucky Fin Project. Through the organization, the Lennox’s have created many strong relationships with families and people that have experienced limb differences. One of their friends in the Lucky Fin Project recommended the family call Build It Workspace President Mark Lengsfeld.
When Lengsfeld heard the Lennox’s story, he immediately authorized full use of his facility and equipment to make Faith’s new hand.
“We couldn’t be happier than do this for the Faith and the Lennoxs,” said Lengsfeld. Faith is an A student who is incredibly mature for a 7-year-old. She is also a very talented surfer for her age – and especially with the use of one arm. Her dream is to become a professional surfer like Bethany Hamilton, who survived a 2003 shark attack in which her left arm was bitten off. She ultimately returned to—and was victorious in—professional surfing. Faith’s other heros include one-handed guitarist Tony Memmel, one-armed MMA fighter Nick Newell and Nicole Kelly, the 2013 Miss Iowa who also has a limb difference.
Faith decided the color of her new hand is pink, purple and blue.
Build It Workspace is located at 4478 Cerritos Ave. in Los Alamitos.