Triathlon-Loving Grandmother Receives COVVI Hand

We have been sent the inspirational story of Evelyn Rodriguez, who was fitted with a Rose Gold COVVI Hand earlier this year in New York, by our partners at Orthocraft.

Evelyn is a congenital amputee who found a new lease on life when she started competing in various marathons and triathlons, which has helped her to boost her self-confidence and start living life without limitations.

Evelyn recalls how missing her left arm would make her would feel different growing up. “[At school] other kids would often make fun of me, I wasn’t allowed to participate in gym. A lot of things weren’t understood back then, and I often time sat in the back of the classroom.” And even into adulthood, her confidence when going about her day-to-day life was impacted by her condition, “Even just going to the park with my son – I didn’t feel comfortable… My day-to-day was difficult. I still had to finish school. I had to be a caregiver and there were a lot of responsibilities. Taking your son to appointments, making sure he’s fine, that I’m fine. We basically grew up together.”

In 2014 Evelyn joined Achilles International, a non-profit athletics team that focuses on helping those with disabilities through athletic programming and social connection. Here she was encouraged to try different sports, including triathlon. “I didn’t know how to swim or ride a bike, [My friend said] ‘Don’t worry, you can learn to swim. You can learn to ride a bicycle. You can do it all.’ And ever since then, my life has changed. I wish I say to my younger self, ‘It’s going to get better. Things will get better. Hang in there and stay positive. I can’t wait to teach my granddaughter how to ride a bike!”

Now equipped with a myo-electric prosthetic, Evelyn can be just as confident in her day-to-day life when using the COVVI Hand to support her when doing tasks both at home and when she’s out-and-about!