Lake Area Charities Raise $10,000 For Local Boy's New Prosthetic Arm

Most 7-year-old children are usually concerned about what games to play, what snack to eat, or maybe what they’ll learn in elementary school. For a Lake area boy however, his concern was a better prosthetic arm.

This Lake of the Ozarks boy was born with only one arm. His current prosthetic is bulky and has limited use for a child at that age. A Myo prosthetic arm would be an improvement, but insurance would not cover the $15,000 cost.

Enter the Jesters of Goodwill. Kris Hotchkiss, the boy’s case manager, began looking for private funding after the new arm was recommended by his medical team at The Children’s Therapy Center through University Hospital in Columbia.

The hospital orthotist (healthcare professional who makes and fits braces and splints) would cover $5,000, so Hotchkiss reached out to civic clubs in the Lake area for more aid. Tiffany Maasen, president of the Daybreak Rotary Club, was set for the task.

“Tiffany contacted the Lake of the Ozarks Idiots Club as she knew how this charity helps children in need,” said Idiots Club Co-Founder Danna Hiner. “We considered this request and pledged $5,000 to match other donations Tiffany could get.”

Camdenton, Laurie-Sunrise Beach, Daybreak, and Lake Ozark Rotary clubs each donated $1,000 to the Idiots Club. With an anonymous $500 donation, and a personal $500 donation from the Maasen family, the total goal was met for the boy to receive a new arm.

“A special thank you to all of our members and donors who made it possible for the Jesters of Goodwill to help this boy,” Hiner said.

It will take about two months for the updated prosthetic to arrive. In the meantime, the 7-year-old is going through physical therapy to train his muscles in preparation for the new arm.