“I said no to the hook for a hand straight away,” says Abeline after losing her arm in a car accident

Two years ago, Abeline’s life was turned upside down when a devastating car accident left her with life-changing injuries. After undergoing 13 surgeries, including an arm amputation, she was offered a hook prosthetic. For Abeline, the weight of her loss was compounded by this moment. “I still have moments when I cry,” she admits. “It’s a part of me that will never come back.” Here, she shares her powerful journey of loss, healing, and rediscovery.

Abeline, you said no to the hook prosthetics. Why?
When they told me I needed to wear the hook to return to work, I just couldn’t do it. I was still mourning the loss of my arm, and seeing that heavy, clinical-looking hook…I said no straight away. I would rather have no prosthesis than wear something that felt like it didn’t belong to me.

How did you begin to move forward after such a traumatic experience?
The first year was incredibly tough. I was grieving—not just for my arm, but for the person I used to be. On top of that, I developed anxiety from the accident itself. Just being near cars made me panic. I felt like I’d lost control of my life.

What motivated you to keep going?
My son. He was only 10 at the time, and he wasn’t doing well in school because he was so worried about me. I realized that my pain and my struggles were impacting my whole family. That gave me the strength to start looking for a way forward.

Was that when you started exploring prosthetic options?
Yes, my husband played a huge role in this. He was constantly looking for ways to help me. He even used his 3D printer to experiment with ideas. That’s when he discovered the Hero Arm. He was so excited—it was lightweight, customizable, and something that felt like it could fit into my life.

But you faced challenges in getting one, didn’t you?
Yes. We went through the evaluation process, but without insurance and with the nearest clinic in Colorado, it just wasn’t possible. It was heartbreaking to have hope and then feel like it was out of reach.

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I’ve only had it for a short while, but it’s all the small things day-to-day I’m enjoying using it for. I can carry things with both hands again, I can cook with it, hold a pot of soup and stir with the other hand. I’m able to clap!

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How did you finally get one?
We waited. Eventually, I got a call from Elise, a clinician in Denver, telling me that Open Bionics had opened a clinic in Austin. That changed everything—it was close to home. Then I found out about the Victims of Compensation Bill, which helped cover the costs of the Hero Arm. Everything finally fell into place.

What was it like when you were finally fitted with the Hero Arm?
It was an emotional day. I didn’t show it at the time, but inside, I felt so much. I still miss my hand, but having the Hero Arm made me feel like I’d regained a part of myself. It looks incredible, and for the first time in years, I felt whole again.

What impact has the Hero Arm had on your life?
It’s given me confidence. At a recent church convention, my friends were amazed. They’d seen videos online, but seeing the arm in person and watching me use it was a completely different experience. More than anything, it’s allowed me to open up about what happened to me and to start healing emotionally.

Are there features of the Hero Arm you really like?

Yeah, I love that it has two batteries so you can keep swapping them out as it charges, and the Bluetooth connection to the phone is great. I have organized the grips I use most at the top and practice the daily challenges.

Has faith played a role in your recovery?
Yes, but it wasn’t always easy. In the beginning, I was so angry. I kept asking, “Why me? Is this a punishment?” Over time, I realized that life can change for anyone at any moment—it doesn’t matter who you are. Faith taught me that healing is about how you choose to move forward.

What advice would you give to someone going through a similar experience?
Don’t lose hope. In the hospital, I felt so alone. People would say they understood, but they didn’t. It’s a process—emotional, mental, and physical. You have to accept that your life has changed. There will always be a part of you that you miss, but you can move forward. Surround yourself with people who love you, and give yourself time to grieve and heal.

What’s next for you?
With this new arm I have been able to open conversations with people that have been curious and able to share my story with them .I am naturally right handed so it has been really difficult to use my left hand for everything, on top of having to find a new way of doing things. With the Hero Arm, I want to get back to doing things with my right hand, opening a water bottle, putting deodorants on, chopping vegetables or even shaving! Just these day-to-day things that take extra effort, I hope will become easier with the Hero Arm.

If you’ve experienced an arm amputation and are exploring prosthetic options, our team is here to help. Whether you’re seeking advice or want to try out our technology, we’re here for you.

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