Tornado Survivor Swims For the First Time Since Loosing a Leg
By: Katie Love
Updated: May 29, 2012
JOPLIN, MO -- A prosthetic knee and foot is changing the life of a Joplin tornado survivor.
This is Matt Stephens' first time swimming in more than a year.
He lost one of his legs above knee as a result of the May 22nd storm in Joplin.
Michael Arnette's waterproof swimming prosthesis makes it all possible.
Arnette's company Progessive Orthotic and Prosthetic donated the $14,000 prosthesis to Stephens.
"I'm very excited to see him swim again for the first time since the tornado," BOCPO Orthotic & Prosthetic Services Michael Arnette says. "I'm delighted to be able to help to rehabilitate someone. It's a special thing."
"It just lifted my spirits completel," storm survivor Matt Stephens says. "I was able to do something I love to do and haven't been able to do in over a year.
Stephens is also going through therapy for his hand - currently trying to learn the guitar.
His goal is try to start an acoustic band.
