Victoria Hand Project

Trapped underneath the debris of the building for three days, she was rescued from the rubble, injured but alive. The injury led to gangrene and the amputation of her right forearm. She lived for a year with¬out a prosthetic limb and struggled to take care of her children. Many negative looks were directed her way from fellow Haitians. Magdala needed a prosthetic device that was both functional and cosmetically appealing, and affordable.

Isabel lives in Guatemala. He lost his arm in a work accident 12 years ago. Having a prosthetic hand was vital to Isabel as he needed to continue to work and provide for his family. He was one of the first amputees to work with the Victoria Hand Project. He was the first to be fitted with the Voluntary Open device, and wears it proudly, astounded at its functionality and appearance and how lightweight and versatile it is.

Magdala received a hand from the Victoria Hand Project (VHP) as well. Manufactured in Port-au- Prince by one of four 3D printers donated by the VHP, Magdala was provided with the help she needed with tasks she couldn’t do with a cosmetic hand like grabbing ob¬jects, dusting, washing clothes, and getting dressed. The appearance of her Victoria Hand also helped to improve her body image and her comfort level in public. Stories like these accompany each hand that the VHP provides.

The Victoria Hand Project is a British Columbia-based charity working with medical clinics in 11 countries around the world, including Canada. Its mission is to produce affordable 3D-printed prosthetic devices for those who otherwise would go without be¬cause of cost, lack of government coverage, or lack of infrastructure to produce the devices. The VHP donates the 3D printing equipment and scanning computer software to partner clinics and educates and trains prosthetic practitioners on its use.