Hanger Clinic

08/14/2025

Betty Lauer, 80, underwent the amputation of her left leg above the knee in July 2021 due to vascular disease. In 2024, the disease also led to the amputation of her right leg. While the experience has been lifechanging, Betty has a dedicated care team on her side—including clinician Meyessa Ackland at the Grand Rapids, MI .

Betty is determined to regain her independence step by step, working hard to walk in her full-length prosthetic legs in her home and out and about in her community. She looks forward to attending her great-grandchildren's sporting events this fall and continuing to enjoy her hobbies, including painting and ceramics. 🎨

Meyessa shared that Betty's fearless spirit and dedication to progress has had a positive impact on her clinicians. 🧡 We're proud of you, Betty! Keep showing the world what's possible with courage and commitment!

07/31/2025

Eight-year-old Peri's ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) help her run and walk with confidence, so she can play basketball with her classmates. 🏀 Diagnosed with spina bifida at 19 weeks gestation, Peri has overcome countless challenges to achieve her goals.

As Peri prepares to enter the third grade, her parents connected with Hanger Clinic to ensure her AFOs were in tip-top shape ahead of the upcoming school year. They shared: "We feel incredibly fortunate to have the Hanger Clinic team by our side. They've consistently gone above and beyond, making quick adjustments when needed. Peri's journey hasn't been easy, but the genuine care from her clinicians has made all the difference." 🧡

Whether you're checking up on your child's AFOs or you're just starting the journey, visit our website to schedule an appointment today: hangerclinic.com/library/lower-limb-bracing.

07/30/2025

Earlier this month, through Hanger Clinic’s national sponsorship, four of our clinicians joined Range of Motion Project Guatemala to help deliver life-changing prosthetic care to individuals who otherwise may not have access.

Over 10 impactful days, Alison Manske, Ivan Kruger, Beth Petrovic and Tim Lavergne volunteered at Range of Motion Project's permanent clinic in Guatemala City, where they focused on the fitting and delivery of microprocessor knees—bringing advanced technology and renewed independence to patients with limb loss and limb difference.

Our clinicians helped cast, fabricate, and fit custom prostheses in a setting full of learning, connection, and purpose. From casting and check sockets to final delivery, each step reflected compassion, precision, and a shared goal of empowering human potential. Kudos to this inspiring group of clinicians for being a part of this life-changing experience! 🧡

07/23/2025

“Sometimes the greatest mountains are the ones we climb within ourselves.” - Hanger Clinic patient Renee Dehaan 🗻

Fifty-four-year-old Renee Dehaan is an assistant principal at Wasatch Junior High. Born with limb difference in her right leg, she’s worn a below-the-ankle prosthetic device her entire life, also using a brace to help address the drop foot in her left foot. When Renee’s longtime prosthetist, Quincey Brabant at the Millcreek, Utah , invited her to complete a climb to Everest Base Camp, Renee immediately said yes.

Over nine days, the two completed the difficult trek up 40 miles of uneven terrain, freezing temperatures, thinning air, and 22,000 feet of elevation gain. While the journey was incredibly challenging, Renee shared, “I kept going, not to prove anything to the world, but to myself. I owed it to myself to never give up.” 🧡💪

Read more about Renee and Quincy’s epic climb on our blog: hangerclinic.com/blog/for-patients/one-step-at-a-time-renees-journey-to-everest-base-camp-with-her-prosthetic-leg.

07/15/2025

Heidi Ernst is a 75-year-old physical therapist, powerlifter, and avid scuba diver. In 2023, while completing her 524th dive, Heidi was attacked by a Caribbean reef shark as she climbed back onto the dive boat. As a result of the severe injuries, doctors amputated Heidi's left leg below the knee.

After returning home to recover, Heidi connected with clinician Maggie Siebel at the Ames, IA , who fit her for a prosthetic leg and guided her through the process. Heidi chose a shark-themed pattern for her new leg, and immediately began exploring options that would allow her to resume her passions and active lifestyle. Not long after receiving her prosthetic device, she traveled back to the Bahamas and completed another dive—a healing experience for herself and a full circle moment after all the challenges she has overcome. 🤿💪

Heidi and her clinician Maggie recently joined We Are Iowa Local 5 News to share more about her experience. Check out the segment here: bit.ly/4nPaul1

07/07/2025

Our hearts are with the central Texas community and all those impacted by the devasting floods. As a Texas-headquartered company, we grieve with those who have lost loved ones, and share our deepest gratitude to the heroic efforts of our first responders and volunteers.

06/30/2025

In honor of Wimbledon's opening week, Kemit Amon is sharing how he gears up for para-standing tennis with his upper limb device! 🎾

Despite the life-altering challenges he faced due to multiple amputations from septic shock, Kemit’s determination has led him on an incredible journey, including playing at ! ✨ Read his full story here: hangerclinic.com/blog/for-patients/kemit-proves-that-passions-can-thrive-after-amputation/.

06/26/2025

Fourteen-year-old Audrey loves music, volleyball, and playing with her new dog. 🐶 Diagnosed with in 2022, she was prescribed a daytime brace to be worn for 18 hours each day, and six months later, a nighttime brace to wear while sleeping to help treat the condition and prevent it from progressing.

With encouragement from her parents, Audrey diligently completed her comprehensive course of care over three years, which included physical therapy and scoliosis treatment with Megan Chamis at the Farmington, CT . Her treatment plan also included numerous orthopedic appointments, x-rays, and home exercises.

To show his support, Audrey's dad even purchased a posture brace, which he tried to wear alongside Audrey so she wouldn't feel alone as she worked to realign her spine. 🧡

Now preparing for her sophomore year and setting her sights on a graphic design internship, Audrey is thriving. She's excited to enjoy this summer with lots of time spent by the pool!

This , we celebrate Audrey and the many individuals who face this diagnosis with determination and grace. Your journeys have a meaningful impact on us all! 👏

06/25/2025

Over the course of 36 hours, Nicole Grehn's heart stopped 78 times. With her heart functioning at just 10 percent and her body slipping into crisis, doctors placed her in a coma that lasted nine days. To save her life and prevent septic shock, her mother made the decision to amputate both of her legs above the knee.

Months later, a diagnosis was discovered: a rare genetic mutation known as sudden cardiac death (SCD), bringing clarity and a new beginning for Nicole. While working through rehabilitation and recovery, she came across Hanger Clinic’s Bilateral Above-Knee (BAKA) Bootcamp.

There, she met other bilateral above-knee amputees who inspired her to walk independently with the help of peer support, hard work, and custom-designed prosthetic devices. BAKA Bootcamp empowered Nicole to live independently with her prostheses, setting ambitious goals—and achieving every one of them. 🧡

See Nicole's full story here: https://hangerclinic.com/blog/patient-stories/nicole-grehn-woman-finds-her-calling-after-losing-both-legs.

06/21/2025

As we wrap up 2025, we're reflecting on how remarkable the last few days have been with this incredible group!

Participants immersed themselves in a full slate of activities here in —from falls and stubbies training and exploring the new Hanger Clinic Integrated Care Center, to meaningful peer mentoring and breakout discussions. We were moved by the personal stories shared throughout the event as well—testaments to courage, resilience, and growth. The community spirit at Bootcamp is truly something special. 🧡

Thank you to Shedd Aquarium for helping create a uniquely exciting evening for our participants last night, and to everyone who contributed their time and efforts into making this event so memorable. And of course, our gratitude goes out to all of our attendees—keep learning, growing, and rising to every challenge!

06/20/2025

06/16/2025

Welcome to Hanger Clinic's Integrated Care Center (ICC)! 👏🎉

As a state-of-the-art destination facility, the ICC is designed for those with limb loss, limb difference, or physical disabilities that want to take their care to the next level!

Features include:
🏃 Running track
🧗 Climbing wall
🏋️ Fully equipped gym
🏡 Real life spaces (test kitchen + apartment!)
🗻 Variable terrain, stairs, ramps
..and so much more! Here, patients can train in real-world environments with the safety of our collaborative Hanger Clinic expert support team, so challenges are identified and solved in real time.

Learn more at hangerclinic.com/ICC. 🧡