Remi’s Journey: Embracing Life with Resilience
Remi Bateman, a spirited 9-year-old, was born without her left forearm and hand. Despite this, she embraces life with remarkable resilience. Residing in Utah, Remi enjoys biking and scootering, and aspires to perform everyday tasks independently, such as cutting her food and styling her hair. From six months old, she used a silicone prosthesis, covered by insurance, which, while helpful, is cumbersome and lacks finger mobility. Her mother, Jami, highlights its limitations, noting it remains stationary, molded into a plastic fist. This setback, however, didn’t deter Remi; she was destined for greater things.
Discovering the Hero Arm: A Leap in Functionality
The Batemans’ lives transformed upon discovering Open Bionics’ 3D-printed Hero Arm, a device offering multi-grip functionality with individual finger motors, enabling precise handling of objects. Enthusiastic, they swiftly consulted with Open Bionics, leading to a Denver clinic visit. The Hero Arm was nearly magical, as Jami describes, likening it to 95% of a real hand. Yet, their excitement met a hurdle: insurance deemed it non-essential, leaving a $24,000 bill. Jami poignantently questioned this decision, emphasizing the world’s design for two-handed functionality. This challenge, common for many, led the Batemans to explore alternative funding.
Crowdfunding and Community Support: A Beacon of Hope
In December 2024, local news featured Remi’s quest, sparking rapid community response. Within days, over $24,000 was raised. CrowdHealth’s CEO, Andy Schoonover, addUsermed to cover the cost outright. This generosity presented an unexpected surplus, prompting Jami to seek Remi’s input on using the funds. Remi’s response was heartfelt: "Help more kids." This moment marked the beginning of a broader mission, exemplifying the power of kindness and community.
Taj’s Story: A New Recipient of Generosity
Across the nation, Taj Johnson, a 9-year-old in Maryland, faced similar challenges, born with a partial left hand. His family explored prosthetic options, finding hope in the Hero Arm, but again, insurance denied coverage. Taj’s mother, Kaitlin, expressed frustration, questioning the denial’s logic. The family resorted to lemonade stands, raising $1,500 over months. Then, a life-changing call arrived from Jami, offering the surplus funds for Taj’s Hero Arm, facilitated by Open Bionics. This act of kindness brought Kaitlin to tears, grateful for the opportunity to fulfill Taj’s dreams.
A Heartwarming Meeting: Forging New Bonds
In New York City, Taj met Daniel Green of Open Bionics to begin his Hero Arm fitting. Surprisingly, Remi and her mother arrived, uniting the two children. The meeting was a testament to the generosity that connected them. Remi envisaged future playdates, imagining themselves as Ironman with their bionic arms. Their bond, forged through kindness, underscored the transformative power of helping others, leaving an indelible mark on both families.
Paying It Forward: Remi’s Ongoing Legacy
Remi’s kindness didn’t stop there. She continued using her funds to help two more 11-year-olds denied Hero Arm coverage by insurance. Her actions highlight the ripple effect of generosity, illustrating how individual acts can create significant impact. Remi’s story, from personal struggle to proactive kindness, reflects the human spirit’s capacity for resilience, innovation, and compassion. It underscores the importance of accessible medical technology and community support, offering hope and inspiration to many. Remi’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of kindness and the profound difference it can make in lives.
