Danny Stevens stands firmly on two feet, swings a smooth iron and turns heady shot-maker on the golf course come weekends.
He can thank clinicians and specialists in the progressive prosthetics field for that.
Stevens enjoys an active life – as a Portland-area salesman of medical equipment and as an amateur golfer with an impressive 2 handicap.
“I am better than that,” he said after sending his approach shot wide of the par-4 17th hole at Kent’s Riverbend Golf Complex last Saturday. “I am much better than that shot.”
Stevens is much better for someone who lost his lower right leg in a horrible accident seven years ago. Facing serious health complications, he ultimately chose amputation.
It wasn’t long before doctors and specialists got Stevens back on his feet, and back in the game.
“I am doing just fine today,” he said with a smile.
Stevens was one of 91 golfers who participated in the 12th annual Western Amputee Golf Tournament at the Kent course, a favorite outing
for players with prosthetic limbs. It was Kent’s largest field for the two-day tournament, which attracted players of all abilities and from many destinations.
“It’s just awesome,” said Ed Wilson, tournament director and 18-year amputee golfer. “It’s great to see so many players. They enjoy coming here every year.”
The 36-hole test at Riverbend brought out Renton’s Pete Nichols, a quality insurance inspector for The Boeing Co. Nichols lost his lower left leg in a motorcycle accident on the Benson two years ago. Fitted with a chrome-clad prosthetic limb, he is back doing the things he enjoys most.
Like swinging the driver.
“I love it,” he said of his new leg, a medical marvel. “For what it is, I’m happy as hell with it.”
Circled on his calendar
Sam Surowiec was happy to be in Kent to share a round or two with friends. The 39-year-old middle school teacher from Everett makes it a point to play Riverbend each year.
After a vehicle accident severely injured his leg in 1996, Surowiec fought to keep it for eight years, but was forced to have it amputated above the knee when he developed a rare form of E. coli.
“I have a supportive family,” he said of dealing with his ordeal. “You have those moments, those dark stages, for sure, always. I don’t anticipate a life without them.
“But coming here and seeing people do these crazy, amazing things … it’s just awesome.”
When he isn’t in the classroom, Surowiec roofs houses with his brother. He coaches softball, basketball and football – activities that include his children’s teams. He also plays wheelchair basketball and participates on the national sit volleyball team. He plans to compete in his first triathlon this summer.
Thriving prosthetic technology has helped patients like Surowiec.
“Things have changed over the last 30 years or so,” said David Kelly, of Hanger Clinic, Surowiec’s prosthetist. “Someone looking at an amputation can expect to be close to the function level they were with the (natural) foot, especially if it’s below the knee.”
Kelly was one of more than 25 Hanger Clinic amputee patients and clinicians who participated in the tournament. The clinic has been a 10-year title sponsor of the event.
For Kelly, the new technology has made an impact in the lives of active amputee men and women. He is encouraged in the advances that enable patients to follow an active, healthy life.
“Our goal is to educate them, get them there … we want them to get back to that same function level,” Kelly said. “What you’re seeing is they can. They can get back to their game.”
Kelly helped fit Surowiec with a microprocessor-controlled prosthetic leg. Using on-board sensors and microprocessors to anticipate and adapt to a person’s movement, Surowiec’s computerized prosthesis immediately adjusts 50 times per second to changes in walking speed and direction, providing knee stability the moment it is needed. These features allow him to walk down stairs and ramps and maneuver rough terrain, without the fear of falling.
Surowiec and his bionic leg keep up with the crowd these days. He gets the most out of each day.
“There’s some pretty awesome equipment out there to allow me to do things,” Surowiec said. “This leg is awesome.”
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PHOTO BELOW: Renton’s Pete Nichols drills his second shot on No. 18 at Riverbend MARK KLAAS, Kent Reporter
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