Kids Make 3D Printed Hands For Kids Missing Limbs Who Can’t Afford Them. Aww!

Each year in the United States alone roughly over a thousand babies are born missing limbs. Prosthetic limbs can cost thousands of dollars and a growing child may need a new one within no time. That cost can limit children and adults in so many ways that it impacts their quality of life and their potential. The good news is there is an organization of volunteers tackling this problem in a truly noble or we should say an e-NABLE way.

In 2013 Jon Schull watched a YouTube video that featured a puppet maker named, Ivan Owen’s work. He had posted his design for a mechanical hand he had made after he realized it could be made on a 3D printer. The design could be adapted to help others who needed prosthetics. Jon invited the people who were discussing the video in the Youtube comments to volunteer and make the prosthetics, and to put themselves on a shared google map many of them did just that. One thing led to another and the e-NABLE Google+ volunteer community began. The community is now well established, and the group has grown to over 8000 volunteers from work backgrounds that are as diverse as engineers, artists, teachers, and students from all over the world. What they are doing is helping those most in need and giving them what they need to be mobile, thrive, and live even fuller lives. If you would like to donate to this organization or become involved go HERE.