Veteran able to walk again using advanced mobility technology
Before completely losing his ability to walk, Veteran Edward Afanador served in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and was even part of the response to the collapse of the World Trade Center.
Years later, Afanador was diagnosed with distal motor sensory axonal polyneuropathy that causes loss in the ability to walk over time.
Afanador was recently presented an opportunity by the Wilmington VA Prosthetics Department to be a part of a trial for a Microprocessor-Controlled C-Brace that supports him in being able to walk again.
“The Microprocessor-Controlled C-Brace is similar to an exoskeleton,” said Corey Smith, Wilmington VA Chief of Prosthetics. “It makes the limbs capable of standing and swinging.”
The Wilmington VA Prosthetics Department started seeing patients in 2023 saving more than $500,000 in orthotics and almost $200,000 for limbs in fiscal year 2023 when doing services such as prosthetic limbs, shoe and insert modifications and custom braces in-house.
“I came in for new braces one day and the prosthetics department recommended the C-brace trial,” said Afanador. “I fall a lot, so it is hard trying something new because I wanted to limit my falls, but I decided I didn’t want to just live with not being able to walk.”
After his initial apprehension, Afanador decided to commit to the trial.
“I said let’s try, I will do whatever is needed to be done,” said Afanador. “Looking back this trial made a significant difference to my life. We Veterans have to try to progress or else we can get stuck.”
This was not always his mindset. Afanador previously struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and his worsening medical condition affecting his ability to walk.
Afanador was fortunate to meet some Vietnam Veterans who were able to relate to him and help him get back to his normal self. Through that experience, Afanador decided he wanted to do the same for his fellow Veterans by helping through various VA and non-VA programs.
“It starts with talking and listening without judgement,” said Afanador. “It’s not about how many people I have helped but how many have helped me.”
Afanador went on to be a speaker for the Wounded Warrior project and also represented the Wilmington VA at the Wheelchair Games in Philadelphia. He also became a large part of the Peer Mentoring, Camaraderie, and Support Program to help Veterans in crisis through Veteran peer intervention.
“It’s all about giving back, that has always been my mantra,” said Afanador. “You invest in them, and it comes back 10-fold, it becomes cathartic.”
Now that, Afanador has started walking with his new C-Brace, he has already started being more active in the community and helping others.
“It has reinvigorated me to be out there,” said Afanador. “For the longest time I had to be in a chair or carry a cane, so it pulls you away from things. Now that I can walk, it changes everything. It makes me want to be more involved and be out with everyone. I can carry things, and I can stand up straight. It’s a new lease on life.”
He was even able to go with his son to tour college campuses as he graduates high school this year.
“I’ve been afforded an opportunity most don’t get,” said Afanador. “You have no idea the difference it makes. It’s a new lease on life.”
With the support of the Microprocessor-Controlled C-Brace, Afanador no longer just envisions walking beside his fellow Veterans; he can now actively participate in their journey, walking alongside them, both figuratively and literally.
For any assistance with prosthetics contact your primary care provider.