Maged Elsayed

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you became an amputee.
I am originally from Egypt and moved to Philadelphia in 1992. After a two-year stint in the Navy in 1997, I worked for a friend's glass company. I lost my hand after an unfortunate accident handling glass. Since then, I got a degree in computers and I work as an as IT professional. I am married and a proud father to my three children.

How has being an amputee changed your life?
There is no other way to say it other than before my amputation I thought I was the man... everyone under-appreciated me. Being an amputee for twelve years, I have a new found respect for life and the people around me. I am still me... just me with one hand. I now use my mind and my spirit not just my muscles! I now over-appreciate life and all the people in it. I'd like to say being an amputee has humbled my arrogance into being a man with confidence.

Who has been your biggest inspiration in helping you achieve success?
My wife has been always been there for me. Since going to my prosthetist, Mike he has been a huge part of my life. I consider him family. He's helped me finally find a prosthetic I'm happy to put on everyday.

What advice would you give to others who are new to the amputee community?
First and foremost, keep your head up, life will go one. Second, don't settle for less, keep looking for what you want and you will find it! I went through some tough times with my devices over the years with others facilities and I finally have what I love to wear. I use my TRS to garden, V2P to workout and my iLimb for just about everything else! Don't go for average or for mediocre… go for the best!

List some of your hobbies:
Hike with my kids, garden, jujitsu and electronics.