For the presentation, Angelia was accompanied by Joey Koblasz, who Angie calls her “right hand man,” of Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics. Mr. Koblasz  has an office on Joyce Drive in Brunswick, Ga., and a satellite office in Waycross, Ga. Joey is one of a very few Certified Prosthetics/Orthotics in our area.  Joey made a cast of Angelia’s left arm and then hand made a duplicate to replace the missing right arm.  The biotech right arm was designed from  technology borrowed from NASA, the robotics technology of the automobile industry,  and medical robotic technology.  Angelia’s artificial arm Is light- weight, which is a major improvement on previous prosthesis.  In the past,  many prostheses were heavy, cumbersome, and stiff.   As stated, the class got to “try” to lift one of the first legs made out of wood and ceramic. It soon became obvious why many amputees  chose not to opt for these.  Joey also brought a state of the art leg.  The leg was made out of neoprene and titanium.  It was light-weight, strong, and took only seconds to strap on or remove.  These prostheses are operated through a combination of muscle/electrical stimulation.  They can also be remote controlled or modified  from the base computers. 

Many gasps were heard when Joey removed Angelia’s hand to show that hands come in options for the duties which the hand needs to perform.

Angelia will be working with this arm for approximately a year to gain full control over the many movements the arm and hand performs.  The arm and hand will be returned to Joey soon to be “customized.”  As women fully understand, we need life-life skin, veins, and of course those all important nails to be tinted  for the popular colors of spring.

We admire students like Angelia Crummey.  Rain, hail, dark of night, or even a missing arm will not stop this student from attaining her goal.  Her outlook on life is positive.  She is the kind of person we look for in the Childcare field to be a role model for our children.   We also salute Joey and his dedication to making a better future for so many.  And, if you’re thinking of purchasing an arm of you own – you might think of buying a Rolls Royce instead.  You will come out financially  ahead.