6-Year-Old Colin Born with a Congenital Limb Difference Can’t Wait to Wear his New “Robot Arm” to School

Six-year-old Colin from North Carolina, just got his first bionic arm, and he can’t wait to show it off at school. Born with a congenital limb difference below the elbow, Colin was recently fitted with an Iron Man Hero Arm at the Open Bionics clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina. He proudly calls it his “robot arm.” 

“I’m excited to show my class,” Colin said at his delivery appointment. “And play with my classmates with the robot arm on.”

Before his first fitting appointment, Colin’s kindergarten class read Different Is Awesome by author Ryan Haack to learn about limb differences and how everyone’s abilities can look different. In the story, a boy brings his big brother, who has a limb difference, to show-and-tell, and his classmates quickly learn that everyone does things in their own way. The book ends with the line, “Everyone is different, and do you know what I think? Being different is awesome.”

“The timing of this was great because we were in Orlando in the summer and then he started kindergarten,” said Laura, Colin’s mom. “We read Different Is Awesome to his class, showed them pictures from his appointment in Orlando. It was such a good way to introduce his classmates to him and his arm. They’re all expecting to hear how his appointment went, and his teacher is excited to have him show the class how it works.”

When Haack, the author of Different is Awesome, heard about Colin’s journey, he sent a personal message of encouragement. 

“It always takes time to learn new things. Sometimes it can be hard and make us feel frustrated or embarrassed, but that’s OK. Just keep trying and you’ll figure it out,” Haack wrote. “Nobody can do everything, no matter how many hands they have. It’s OK to ask for help, too. And don’t forget to have fun. Whatever you do that you think is fun, do a lot of that. And always remember, you’re awesome.”

Haack also shared his appreciation for the work being done by Open Bionics. “I’ve heard a lot about what Open Bionics does over the years,” he said “And I’m so appreciative of how you all serve the limb-different community. Just amazing.”

Colin is excited to use his new bionic hand for school activities like carrying his backpack and lunchbox, holding paper while coloring, cutting with scissors, and opening markers. At home, he’s eager to help his parents with cooking, cleaning, and carrying groceries. He also wants to ride his bike, play on the swings, build with Legos, and hold his tablet while playing Roblox.

Laura said the process of getting Colin’s Hero Arm has been overwhelmingly positive. “Everyone we’ve talked to and worked with has just been awesome and made it an easy process,” she said. “Every step was smooth, even insurance, and it’s rare these days to have such a positive experience from beginning to end.”

She also praised our clinical teams across three states. “We give five stars to Open Bionics clinicians in New York, Orlando, and Charlotte,” she said. “Isabel in Charlotte was easy to work with, great with our son, and communicative leading up to and following our appointment. Our son is thrilled with his Iron Man Hero Arm, and the technology is amazing. We’re so excited to be part of the Open Bionics family now and to see what’s to come.”

With his Iron Man Hero Arm, Colin is ready to take on kindergarten with confidence and show his friends what his new “robot arm” can do.

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