James Sides is getting a second chance at leading a normal life thanks to the Alfred Mann Foundation.
Staff Sergeant James Sides was on his second tour in Afghanistan, when tragedy struck. While out on patrol, he identified and attempted to disarm an active IED. The IED, unfortunately, exploded in his face. He described the disorientation he felt, followed by the shock at discovering that his forearm was broken, and his hand was missing entirely.
For Sides, the recovery process hasn’t hindered his commitment to physical health but it did dampen his spirits. He wanted a return to normalcy, and missing one hand left him feeling like he’d lost a fundamental ability.
The Alfred Mann Foundation, which was founded in 1985, began with the goal of understanding the hardships of people with debilitating medical impairments, and utilizing bionics to try and solve those challenges. Mann himself is active in the field, having founded companies that are responsible for bionics used in the ears, eyes and brain.
One of their core goals is finding candidates like Sides, who act as field testers for next generation medical gear that will revolutionize recovery. Sides controls the device through a small implant placed in his forearm, which reads the movements of his muscles and directs the robotic hand to act accordingly, according to Steve Doctrow of Rogers and Cowan. Rogers and Cowan helped set up the exchange, and has helped the Alfred Mann Foundation bring this amazing new device to public attention.
For Sides, this technology is completely life altering. Although it requires concentration to do so, he can shake hands or pick up a water bottle. These everyday tasks we collectively take for granted are like a new lease on life for Sides.
Although only 7 candidates have technology like the device on Sides’ arm, that number will grow rapidly if these initial tests are successful.