News

Eddystone, PA, November 2, 2010, Prosthetic Innovations, LLC client, John O’Brien proudly completed the Marine Corps Marathon on October 31, 2010. Racing as a double amputee is not a hurdle for O’Brien, however running has given him a new sense of freedom. “Finishing the 35th MCM was something I never thought was possible because of my disability. Thanks to all those who have supported me in this huge endeavor, I’ve been able to focus my energy on my ABILITIES. I've achieved one of my life-long goals…and it feels amazing!”

Former Captain John O’Brien 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.

Nearly 1 hour later, John found himself on a CH-46 Rescue Helicopter being rushed to the hospital at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC. He was then transported to Duke Medical Center having no real idea of what was to come. In the coming weeks after being transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX, he underwent 12 surgeries to treat his third degree burns and the loss of his left arm (above elbow) and leg (below knee).

16 years later, John went to see Tim Rayer, Partner of Prosthetic Innovations and explained his hope to begin running again. Rayer comments, “John had been a client of ours for about a year when he lost over 30 pounds. Knowing John and his unbelievable amount of desire and strength, running is not an obstacle for John but an opportunity to see things in a whole new way.”

And to no surprise O’Brien completed 26.2 in Washington, D.C. with a time of 4:54. With his wife, Tina and three daughters, Lauren, Lindsay and Lia by his side, his marathon finish serves as a symbol of the new found freedom running has given him.
Prosthetic Innovations, LLC is a unique prosthetic center specializing in advanced socket designs, bionics, gait training, and high-performance prosthetics to maximize the functional potential in every amputee. In operation since 2006 and with over 30 years of experience, Prosthetic Innovations is committed to empowering its clients with the education and support for all endeavors. The organization, based in Eddystone, PA provides superior service for all upper and lower extremity prosthetic cases across the country.

Go Here for a live pre-race interview with Comcast SportsNet Washington. Photos are available upon request.

For more information, visit us on the web at www.prolimb.com or contact Tyl Sadoff at 610-447-8777.