Run for faith
Jennie Klahre
Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: Lifestyles
Even though an explosion during the Vietnam War took both of 62-year-old Eugene Robert's legs, it left his faith and dreams intact.
Roberts has been on a mission to run across America on prosthetic limbs since April 2007. He hopes to show others how God inspires courage and helps overcome challenges. Roberts recently passed through the Wilmington area on his journey near the beginning of March.
"I've loved running since I was a kid," Roberts said. "I saw a man named Terry Fox running across Canada for Cancer and I thought 'I can do that for Jesus' and the rest is history."
"He first came to us in late June of 2007," said Real Life Prosthetics Technician William Coleman. "We basically had two weeks to meet his [prosthetic limb] needs and get him on the road for his run."
"It normally takes 6-8 weeks to really fit an amputee with prosthetic legs just for walking," added Real Life Prosthetics President Jonas Seeberg. "Adding running and high impact might as well double that time. I literally thought it would be a miracle if we accomplished it."
Sure enough, two weeks after Eugene's visit, molds were structured, test runs were made, diagnostics were run, and both Coleman and Seeberg were beside themselves.
"It's unprecedented," Seeberg said. "I believe a lot of it has to do with his faith. I'd have to say God's hands really are in this because of what I've seen unfold and the odds he's overcome."
Expending four times the energy that an able bodied individual expends by running, Roberts' limbs were made specifically for this long distance activity.
Features were added to the bottom of the limbs such as shock absorbing materials similar to the soles of a shoe as well as tire tread to facilitate a longer period of wear. The limbs were also made to allow for energy return as Roberts hits the ground or leans forward. This way, he can maintain a steady pace without burning out.
Real Life Prosthetics have been facilitating Robert during his run as many risks are involved. They have delivered him new components of the limbs and also replaced them several times before they weakened.
Roberts has been on a mission to run across America on prosthetic limbs since April 2007. He hopes to show others how God inspires courage and helps overcome challenges. Roberts recently passed through the Wilmington area on his journey near the beginning of March.
"I've loved running since I was a kid," Roberts said. "I saw a man named Terry Fox running across Canada for Cancer and I thought 'I can do that for Jesus' and the rest is history."
"He first came to us in late June of 2007," said Real Life Prosthetics Technician William Coleman. "We basically had two weeks to meet his [prosthetic limb] needs and get him on the road for his run."
"It normally takes 6-8 weeks to really fit an amputee with prosthetic legs just for walking," added Real Life Prosthetics President Jonas Seeberg. "Adding running and high impact might as well double that time. I literally thought it would be a miracle if we accomplished it."
Sure enough, two weeks after Eugene's visit, molds were structured, test runs were made, diagnostics were run, and both Coleman and Seeberg were beside themselves.
"It's unprecedented," Seeberg said. "I believe a lot of it has to do with his faith. I'd have to say God's hands really are in this because of what I've seen unfold and the odds he's overcome."
Expending four times the energy that an able bodied individual expends by running, Roberts' limbs were made specifically for this long distance activity.
Features were added to the bottom of the limbs such as shock absorbing materials similar to the soles of a shoe as well as tire tread to facilitate a longer period of wear. The limbs were also made to allow for energy return as Roberts hits the ground or leans forward. This way, he can maintain a steady pace without burning out.
Real Life Prosthetics have been facilitating Robert during his run as many risks are involved. They have delivered him new components of the limbs and also replaced them several times before they weakened.
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