The Helping Hand Project is a nonprofit organization centered in Chapel Hill that provides 3D-printed recreational prosthetic hands for children in need.
Their story began with Holden Mora, a 7-year-old boy with symbrachydactyly, a condition in which the hand stops growing early in development. Mora was the first child to receive a hand, providing inspiration to grow the organization.
At UNC, the Helping Hand Project club spends hours building prosthetics for children with the resources available in the biomedical engineering labs. They plan to finish their first hand of the semester by the end of the month.
“We can either print (the children) out a standard hand, which means that there is little wrist movement. That takes two weeks to print and assemble,” said Grace Cronin, the president of UNC’s chapter. “If it is a custom case, then that can take anywhere from two weeks to two months.”
The Helping Hand Project Club offers a unique aspect that allows students to interact with those benefiting from the design and production of the prosthetic hands.
“As a pre-health student, you don't often get the chance to utilize your skills to make an actual difference in the community you are helping,” Saahil Madhiwala, support co-chairperson, said. “Being a part of the Helping Hand Project, I can utilize my skills as a biomedical engineering student to make a hand and a difference in someone’s life. We make a lasting impact in their lives.”
Along with hands printed by the club, HHP receives donated prosthetic pieces from companies such as Lenovo and other third-party engineers who are not associated with the corporation.
“Each hand is $22 to make, so we are trying to raise as much money as possible,” said George Edwards, fundraising chair. “I would love to raise $500 because that will provide almost 25 hands.”
The club will host its second annual Haunted Hallow on Friday. To raise funds, the club will sell t-shirts. All proceeds and additional donations will go toward the prosthetic hands and family gatherings where children can meet other children being helped by HHP.
