Since 3DPI began covering 3D printed prosthetics over two years ago, we’ve been able to track the development of what is arguably one of the most noble and important applications of the technology. Low-cost 3D printing has kick-started a medical revolution, providing those in need with affordable prosthetics, completely transforming the paradigm controlled by the traditional prosthetics industry. Behind this movement is e-NABLE‘s Ivan Owen, one of the two designers responsible for the original 3D printed hand model for a young boy named Liam. Also behind this movement is Ivan’s family, which has supported him throughout this journey, including his own daughter, Torrae. And, thanks to Torrae, e-NABLE’s story has been broadcast to an even larger audience with the help of Ellen DeGeneres and GAPKids.
Torrae has been helping her dad design hands for quite awhile now. As Liam has grown over the years, Owen has been there to help outfit the boy with newer models of that original prosthetic. The beauty of 3D printing is that replacing a medical device as its wearer ages is an inexpensive process. All you need is a new CAD file and someone with a 3D printer. To create such a new CAD file for Liam, Ivan has been relying on Torrae as his muse, fitting hand designs on his own daughter before sending them over to Liam. For that reason, Torrae has long been an integral part of e-NABLE’s design process.
Starting last year, Torrae took an even more active role in the process after reading the story of Sierra, a then 11-year-old volunteer who took up 3D printing and assembling prosthetics for those in need. Inspired by Sierra, Torrae has been helping her dad assemble prosthetics for the past year or so as one of e-NABLE’s youngest volunteers. And she got to show off those skills to none other than TV-personality-turned-lifestyle-mogul Ellen DeGeneres.
As Ellen promotes her empowering and gender neutral clothing line, GAPKids x ED, she’s been hosting an interview series on the GAP’s YouTube channel. Her latest interviewee, Torrae Owen, had the opportunity to promote the e-NABLE cause, before gifting Ellen with her very own prosthetic hand. You can watch the clips above and below. And, if you’re looking to get your kids something that doesn’t lock them into a gender-specific box, check out Ellen’s clothing line here. Woo-hoo, Ellen! Woo-hoo e-NABLE!
