IN OUR PROSTHETIC CLIENTS' WORDS
Stephen Spinetto
 Below-knee
amputee, 58 years-old
"I
have been an amputee for 41 years. I lost my right leg in
a boating accident when I was 17 years old. The technology
of prosthetics have changed dramatically over the forty
years. I have had many prostheses made over those years
with various degrees of success. Two years ago, I had a
prosthesis made for me by Next Step at their Newton facility.
The prosthesis made by Gerry and Arthur is by far the best
I have had in the forty years. I walk an average of 4 to
5 miles a day, and outside of normal maintenance from the
first day using this prosthesis, I have not had a single
problem. In particular, not a single skin or fit related
problem, which I find almost impossible to believe. Having
a quality prosthesis that fits has improved my overall health
and quality of my life."
Todd Schaffhauser
Above-knee amputee, 37 years-old
"A good fitting socket is crucial for having mobility.
Thanks Next Step for the best socket fit I have ever had."
 George
Osgood
Above-knee amputee, 37 year- old
"Next Step has always been thorough, compassionate and
understanding of the difficulties an aggressive amputee
encounters in daily life."
Sharon Lewis
Mother of 15-year old Jeffrey, trilateral amputee
"Our fifteen year old son, Jeff who was born with a syndrome
that affected his four limbs (he is a bi-lateral BK amputee
and his hands are not typically developed) has received
awesome care at the Next Step O & P in Newton. I'm taking
the time to write to you because I want to show my gratitude
to Next Step and to Jerry Scandiffio and Arthur Graham."
Read more about
Jeffrey's story...
Rebecca Bateson
Mother of 15-year-old Andrew, bilateral amputee
On our first visit [to Next Step] we met with Peter Couture
and his staff. We immediately felt at home, and after Peter's
initial evaluation of Andrew, he was confident that he could
help... When Andrew had his first set of prosthetics made
at Next Step, they made him part of the process, explaining
what they were doing and even taking Andrew out back where
they actually made his legs so he could see how it was done.
I remember the smile on Andrew's face when he first tried
his new legs. After a few adjustments, he was walking around,
running and jumping - it was like a miracle.
Sandy McLaughlin
Mother of Christopher, 18-year-old Symes amputee
"Next Step has been wonderful. When Chris tried to do
an aerial when skateboarding, he said the angle of his foot
wasn't right. He asked his prosthetist to slant it out and
he did. Next Step has been so good at helping Chris do all
the things he wants to do."
Read more
about Christopher's story...
 Connie
McGovern
Above-knee amputee, PFFD, 48 years old
"Start to finish-- and then some-- Peter, Matt, and the
rest of the Next Step crew made not only a comfortable and
stable prosthesis, but they also made the process of having
one made as close to a pleasure as it can get. Peter's attention
to my posture, gait and strength of my residual limb was
life changing. In my 34 years of having limbs made, no prosthetist
had encouraged me before to stretch and work my residual
limb. I took him seriously, and went on a program of walking,
weights and yoga which I intend to maintain indefinitely.
It's remarkable to me and to the people who care about me
how much more willing I am to go places. I'm that much more
confident. All this in less than nine months."
Read more about
Connie's story...
Susan Fitzgerald
Bilateral Below-knee amputee, 36 years old
"I am constantly asked "Susan, why do you travel all the
way out of state to New Hampshire to have your legs made,
when there are plenty of prosthetists here in Texas that
can make your legs? Why would you pay the traveling cost
to fly? That makes no sense." My answer to them is very
simple. Peter came to Texas several years ago and while
he was here he became my prosthetist and my life has never
been the same since that day. I was in thigh corsets, my
legs hurt so bad, and I dreamed of one day walking without
so much pain and walking with ease and at least a little
bit of comfort. I didn't want to work with Peter at first.
I was comfortable with my prosthetist even though I was
having all kinds of problems, I was uneasy about changing.
that quickly changed when I began working with him, he was
so much fun and made me feel at ease and my life has never
been the same since that day I met him and since the day
he made my first set of legs! I never knew walking could
be so good. Then that day came when he said he was moving
back to New Hampshire. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
But I knew inside that I would be traveling to see him -
you can't have your life change so much by someone and not
have your legs made by him. I owe his so much, but all I
can say is thank you. What else can you say to some that
has changed your life so much? So thank you Peter, from
the bottom of my heart...for everything. I don't know where
I would be today if you had never come to Texas, but sure
not where I am in my life today! Thank you so much for giving
me so much... Giving me the change to lead a full life!"
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