February 17th, 2006

When Jeffrey Brandt, Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc. practitioner, first met avid hiker Lou Shuba, it was to provide him with a new upper-extremity prosthesis. To match Lou's performance needs, Jeff recommended a prosthetic arm with an Ossur lock-in liner system. Little did Jeff know six months later, he'd be led by Lou up the side of Mount Washington in New Hampshire, the highest mountain in the Northeast at 6288 feet.

On February 17, Jeff, Lou and two others set out in sub-freezing temperatures to begin their climb. During the ascent, the weather took a turn for the worse as a cold front pushed through the area. "The conditions on the mountain strip you of your senses," explained Jeff. "The wind blocks your hearing, the precipitation blinds your sight and the cold numbs you." Yet, the group forged ahead in an attempt to reach the summit.

Fortunately, the men retained their common sense and choose to turn around at approximately 5200 feet as lightening, coupled with a record setting drop in temperature occurred. Despite the deteriorating conditions, Lou and Jeff managed to pose with the Ability flag, just above the tree line.

Throughout their journey, Jeff was impressed by the durability of Lou's arm as he repeatedly challenged the lock-in system. Jeff shared, "To spend time with an amputee in this demanding environment was very insightful. It has been very rewarding to maximize Lou's ability."