Four UNM alumni climbed Ecuador’s peaks to advocate for prosthetic care accessibility. The hike, part of the Range of Motion Project’s tenth anniversary, raised awareness and over $350,000 for the cause. This initiative illustrates a commitment to inclusivity and the importance of mobility as a human right, alongside individual journeys that highlight systemic challenges in accessing care.
In an inspiring endeavor, four University of New Mexico alumni ascended some of Ecuador’s tallest peaks to promote accessibility to prosthetic care. The team, comprising Kyle Stepp, Sean O’Neill, and Jacob Fox, trekked to Cayambe, a glacier volcano nearing 19,000 feet, while Allison Gordon summited Chimborazo at over 20,000 feet. Their mission sought to enhance awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with limb loss, and to raise funds for non-profit organizations aiming to improve mobility in underserved communities. Stepp articulated the profound belief shared among the team that mobility is a human right, emphasizing the significance of camaraderie among allies of the disability community. This year marked the tenth anniversary of the Range of Motion Project’s (ROMP) initiative, which has raised nearly $1 million across its climbs, aiming to provide quality prosthetic services in Latin America. During their trip, the team witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of prosthetics as they helped distribute devices to 50 individuals, encapsulating the essence of their mission. Stepp’s personal journey of overcoming limb loss after battling cancer fuels his advocacy, underscoring systemic challenges in obtaining adequate prosthetic care.
The initiative undertaken by the New Mexico alumni highlights significant global disparities in access to prosthetic care, particularly in Latin America. According to the World Health Organization, only 1 in 10 individuals in need have access to assistive products such as prostheses due to various barriers, including cost and lack of resources. The Range of Motion Project, which serves communities in Ecuador, Guatemala, and the Amazon, addresses these issues by organizing fundraising climbs to gather resources for individuals with limb loss. This year’s event expanded to three separate teams, reflecting the growing commitment and involvement of advocates across the disability community.
The efforts of these New Mexico alumni underscore the importance of advocacy in enhancing access to prosthetic care for individuals with limb loss. Their combined fundraising, along with the emotional impact witnessed during the trip, highlights what is achievable when communities come together for a common cause. Moreover, their commitment to legislative change through initiatives like So Every BODY Can Move serves as a crucial step toward ensuring that individuals receive necessary coverage to regain their mobility. As these advocates continue to pursue their goals, they remain a source of inspiration in the fight for disability rights and access to care.
Original Source: news.unm.edu
