New Mexicans hike Ecuador’s tallest peaks to improve access to prosthetics. Three UNM alumni and a medical professional aimed to raise awareness about limited access to prosthetic care in Latin America. They raised over $350,000 in their advocacy efforts while climbing notable mountains in Ecuador. Their experiences emphasize the importance of mobility and the need for better support systems for individuals with limb loss.
Four New Mexicans, including three graduates from the University of New Mexico, ascended notable peaks in Ecuador to raise awareness for accessibility to prosthetic care. Kyle Stepp, Sean O’Neill, and Jacob Fox successfully climbed Cayambe, a glacier-covered volcano reaching nearly 19,000 feet, while Allison Gordon summited Chimborazo, which stands at over 20,000 feet. Their joint efforts bring attention to the dire lack of accessible prosthetic solutions for individuals with limb loss in Latin America, a region where it is estimated only 1 in 10 people can obtain necessary assistive products due to various barriers like cost and policy inadequacies. The Range of Motion Project (ROMP), an organization dedicated to providing prosthetic care in underprivileged regions, organized this event as part of its 10th anniversary celebration. This year, participants formed three teams that collectively pursued the three highest peaks in Ecuador: Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, and Cayambe. These initiatives not only aimed to highlight the possibilities for individuals with disabilities but also to raise significant funds for prosthetic care, with over $350,000 raised this year alone, totaling nearly $1 million since the project began. Mr. Stepp, diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at the age of 14, shared how personal experiences during his recovery motivate his current advocacy work. He emphasized the transformative impact of prosthetic care, noting, “Seeing amputees walk for the first time…reminds you why access to prosthetics is essential and life-changing.” These insightful moments drive Stepp’s commitment to improving access for all individuals facing mobility challenges in Latin America. Despite facing altitude sickness and a high avalanche risk that limited their ascent to Cayambe, Mr. Stepp and his colleagues found joy in their shared experience: a snowball fight at 17,000 feet, highlighting the importance of play and freedom associated with mobility. Additionally, Stepp has been instrumental in the advocacy initiative “So Every BODY Can Move,” which works towards establishing comprehensive insurance coverage for prosthetics across states. His recent competition in a triathlon world championship underscores his commitment to sports and advocacy, marking his position as a prominent figure within the community and a successful athlete with the goal of representing Team USA in the upcoming 2028 Paralympic Games.
This article highlights a significant initiative taken by New Mexicans, particularly University of New Mexico alumni, to raise awareness for accessibility to prosthetic care in Latin America. The context revolves around the systemic issues faced by individuals with limb loss, especially in countries like Ecuador, where financial and logistical barriers severely limit access to necessary assistive devices. The efforts undertaken by these climbers, alongside the work done by the Range of Motion Project (ROMP), illustrate the vital intersection of outdoor adventure, community representation, and advocacy.
In conclusion, the journey of the New Mexican alumni not only reflects their commitment to individual mobility and disability rights but also sheds light on the broader challenges faced by disabled individuals globally. Their ascent signifies both a literal and metaphorical climb towards liberation, ensuring that those in need can advocate for their right to mobility and support. The collaboration with ROMP further emphasizes the importance of community engagement in addressing healthcare disparities, making strides toward positive systemic change.
Original Source: news.unm.edu
