Michael Shannon Foster - Bio

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Michael Shannon Foster

November 20, 1977
2933 Comice Drive Medford OR 97504
TattooAmp24@aol.com

Do you have a family?
Yes, I am married and we have 4 children. The ability to be involved in their daily life is very important to me. With my disability I have been restricted from their activities. In fact, before GlideCycle I did not have any activities of my own which we could do together.

What is your Ailment?
I have a right leg amputation with a disarticulated hip and damage to my left leg and knee. I have had multiple skin grafts on the left leg from foot to thigh. I have arthritis in the right side of my back as well as a hard mass the size of a basketball due to no hip movement for last 10 years.

When did your Ailments start?
I lost my leg in a work related accident June 10, 1998. I was caught in a 2 ton rolling press that amputated my right leg and crushed my left leg from my foot to 1 ½” below the knee.

Where does the GlideCycle affect your life?
Last year I was interested on trying a bicycle for the first time. I wanted to ride with my children. Unfortunately, I was never able to find one that fit my needs. In September, I heard about GlideCycle. With the GlideCycle I have a fit that supports my body and feels comfortable. I am now FREE to run. For the first time, since my amputation, I do not feel disabled. My children are watching me run. The kids and the family dog now run with me. I feel the GlideCycle has given me an opportunity to be mobile again and to exercise. The GC benefits both my body and my mind.

Why is the GlideCycle important to you?
The GlideCycle has changed my life and gives me the freedom to be a productive member in society. It allows me to enjoy my family and their lives in ways that for the last 10 years I have not been able to do. I cannot describe to you what this means to me.

How does the GlideCycle affect your aliments, be specific?
With the use of the Glidecycle I have built up my left leg muscles so that I am able to walk further and longer in my prosthetic device. My balance has improved so I am less likely to fall. I know this is due to the suspension of the GC seat. I have no tissue break down in my left leg or thigh. Because of many skin grafts, I thought this might be a problem with either my foot or my groin/thigh area. There have been zero issues. I know this is because of the design of the seat. It is more comfortable than my wheelchair and keeps my body is aligned better.

Final thoughts on the GlideCycle, anything you want others to know, maybe something we didn't ask?
The ability to move and get out of my wheel chair is a gift that other amputees seek. To a great extent, wheelchair-limited amputees are removed from most normal life and things you take for granted. The GC gives back a more normal life. It helped me mentally and physically. The GC has strengthened my whole body so I am able to walk longer and further in my prosthetic. What GC has allowed me to do can be done by amputees everywhere. GlideCycle gave me mobility and freedom and can do the same for other amputees who want to walk or run.