The Prosthesis for Life Foundation / La Fundacion Protesis Para la Vida

We provide prosthetics and orthotics free of charge to those in need. We accept donations from those who are able to make them. We use these donations to buy materials and parts to help others.

The project has been operational since January 2008 and has served about 200 patients, some who have waited twenty years or more to receive a prosthesis, and have seen their lives transformed. After the first year, orthotics was introduced as well, so that braces are now provided, the majority for children.

Lack of availability and lack of affordability of prosthetics and orthotics are two barriers that many in Ecuador face. This clinic provides prosthetics and orthotics at no cost to those without resources

The project is staffed and operational year round by Ecuadorans. Foreign volunteers provide needed infusions of training, donated parts, and collaboration several times per year.

The clinic brings a brighter future to many individuals with disabilities.

Bryan's Success Story

Bryan, a 19 year old engineering student, did not want to give up his plans after losing both arms in a car accident in November 2009. His wife had just given birth to his first child. He searched for a way to obtain prostheses, but the cost was far out of reach of his family. He then learned about Protesis para la Vida, and traveled 19 hours by bus with his mother to the clinic. In April 2010 he received a below elbow prosthesis for the left and an above elbow prosthesis for the right side, and returned to Loja to his studies and his family.