You can donate prosthetics to Haiti earthquake victims

CEDAR RAPIDS - Got a leg you're not using? How about an arm?

Hanger Orthopedic Group, with more than 670 centers in the United States including offices in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Dubuque and Waterloo, has begun a nationwide campaign to collect unused prosthetics for victims of the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti.

Tim Zwanzinger, certified prosthetist in Cedar Rapids, says Eastern Iowans could have hundreds of prosthetic legs stuffed in closets they've outgrown or are no longer using.

“A lot of people might not even be thinking that they could do this to help,” he said.

Nicole Jilovec, an office administrator, said the Cedar Rapids center had received two below the knee limbs as of Friday. She's read reports that at least 75,000 people lost limbs as a result of injury during the earthquake.

“If they can do somebody some good, that's great, because we can't reuse them here,” she said.

The nationwide prosthetic limb drive is being conducted in conjunction with Physicians for Peace and Heather Mills, a below-the-knee amputee who has led similar worldwide drives. These limbs will be shipped to Virginia, reconditioned and sent to Haiti.

In the past, Hanger didn't accept used limbs for medical reasons and because they are custom fit, said Angela Burrows, an office administrator in Cedar Rapids.

“We used to have people come in to give us a leg, because maybe somebody died, and we couldn't take it,” Burrows said. “Now, if I only knew who all those people were so I could call them.”

People wishing to donate a prosthetic limb in Cedar Rapids can drop it off at 866 Fifth Ave. SE, or call (319) 364-2767.

Hanger does not accept wheelchairs, crutches or braces but those can be donated through Physicians for Peace by calling (757) 625-7569.

For more information about the programs go to www.hanger.com or www.physiciansforpeace.org on the Web.