News

Eddystone, PA, June 21, 2011, Prosthetic Innovations, LLC client, John O'Brien is fully prepared to complete the final portion of the PHLY Triathlon on June 26, 2011. Racing as a double amputee is certainly not a hurdle for O'Brien, however learning to run again has given him a new sense of freedom.

Former Captain John O'Brien (pictured left) of the U.S. Marine Corps was performing a routine training exercise at the Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, North Carolina on September 22, 1993 when plans went terribly wrong. John quickly found himself very conscious wedged in between two trees in his AV-8B Harrier plane as the flames fiercely burned over 35% of his body. In the coming weeks, he underwent 12 surgeries to treat his third degree burns and the loss of his left arm (above elbow) and leg (below knee).

"Running again has given me the confidence and freedom I haven‟t felt for some time now." said O'Brien of West Chester, PA. "I've learned along the way once you accept your life for what it is, anything is achievable."

Joining O'Brien's relay team is Joe Sanphy of Langhorne, PA. Eight years ago, Sanphy lost his leg (above-the-knee) in a forklift accident. At the age of 52, Sanphy dropped over twenty pounds and chooses to "tri" in order to keep him feeling healthy and alive. Swimming up to five miles every week, Sanphy looks forward to completing the swim portion of the race.

Rounding out the team is Brian Wacik of Allentown, PA. Wacik has been a below-the-knee amputee for over 25 years after a traumatic accident at a local steel mill plant. Despite the loss of his leg, he refuses to look back and focus his energy on his disability. Wacik adds, "Cycling has taught me that life is not about pouting about our challenges but rejoicing in overcoming them."

Michael Rayer, Partner of Prosthetic Innovations, LLC and also a competitor in the 1988 Olympic trials, supports his clients "can do" attitude. Rayer comments, "Knowing these guys and their incredible amount of desire and strength, the PHLY Triathlon will not be an obstacle for them but an opportunity to see things in a whole new way. We are looking forward to a great race."