In Our Clients' Words…

"Thank you Matt and everyone else at Next Step for all you have done to help me through the last year. You have been so patient, kind, and supportive. I am only one of the many people whose lives you have touched and made better. Your job is so important to kids and grown-ups like me and I think you are a great guy."

Sammy

8 year-old above-knee amputee

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...

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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