American Marine Biologist Amputee Loving Life Again
In November 2020, during an already challenging year, tragedy struck for Kemit-Amon Lewis who suffered a rare bacterial infection that led to septic shock, organ failure, and as a result, the amputation of his right hand, right leg, left fingers and left toes. His life was saved by the incredible team at Broward Health and has since been able to rebuild his life through rehabilitation, which has been aided through the use of prosthetics.
After two years full of spirit, determination and support, Kemit-Amon successfully gained approval for the high-tech upgrades he was looking for, which allowed him to once again embrace the vibrant, athletic marine biologist he truly is. Things weren’t always steady going; before he was dancing, Kemit first had to master everyday tasks that are often overlooked such as getting dressed and walking. Once that was conquered, his gaze was set again on playing sports and his greatest passion in life; diving.
“One of the first things that they did was reassure me was that I would be diving again, that I would be on the tennis court, be dancing again… I’m fortunate to live in an era where the advancements are so insane. We do have things like electric hands, and we have new technologies where they can implant sensors directly into your nerve to control five fingers independently.”
After being given a hook attachment to play tennis and leg blades from Levitate Sport so he could run again; Hanger clinic paired Kemit with his very own COVVI hand so he could achieve even more than what he ever expected. “There’s a lot this hand allows me to do that the hook didn’t… often times I’d think about going to the gas station, inserting my card and well how do you get it back out? COVVI finger grip helps, the hook doesn’t.”
Kemit expressed his gratitude for the gifts this new challenge has given him and the opportunity he now has to give back to others. “I’m able to continue to navigate this new chapter of my life without feeling as if I don’t have all the tools that I need, I think that’s the biggest thing Hanger News has helped me with.”
This confidence in his new abilities aids him as he now spends his time motivating fellow amputees to advocate for a better life for themselves and has even been invited to talk with robotics engineers about his experience to help them with research in the field.
Kemit-Amon Lewis has come such a long way in a short period of time and his story really shows the beauty of biomedical engineering, physical rehabilitation and the unlimited potential humans are gifted with when we work together.