Writings

Blue background with a pink swish at the bottom and white text at the top that says "Lucky Fin Project Weekend | Troy, Michigan | July 26-28, 2024" Pink circle surrounding white icon of a clown fish inside a white frame and @ontheotherhandtherapy

Lucky Fin Project Weekend – July 26-28, 2024

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A highlight of Lucky Fin Project Weekend 2024 was talking to almost 100 parents about the prevalence of overuse syndrome in upper limb different (ULD) adults and demonstrating strategies to parents to lessen the risk for our beautiful children as they grow. But whatever I contributed to the weekend, I received so much more back as I connected with families and met beautiful, creative, and energetic little ones!

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Upper Limb Difference Day – June 15, 2024

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I was thrilled to participate in the 3rd annual Upper Limb Difference Day as a panelist. The event, a collaboration between Beautifully Made Community and the Orthopedic Department at Boston Childrens Hospital, took place at Lookout Farm in Natick, Massachusetts on a gorgeous afternoon! Speaking as a panelist about technology adaptations and overuse syndrome awareness…

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Hands to Love Hand Camp – April 12-14, 2024

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Hands to Love Hand Camp 2024 offered me the opportunity to feel belongingness and connection while merging my personal experiences as an adult with an upper limb difference with my professional experiences as an occupational therapist. I am so grateful for this yearly gathering that celebrates upper limb differences in a warm and supportive environment!

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Blue background with a photo of Laura as a toddler wearing a greenish dress and little white shoes and an expression of joy and wonder on her face. Pink text that says "taking charge of my story" and the "on the other hand therapy I have a thumb" logo and @ontheotherhandtherapy"

Embracing Vulnerability: Journeying Toward Self-Acceptance

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On a recent retreat, I openly shared my experiences growing up with a visible physical difference and how it affected my sense of belonging. This openness about my hand allowed me to preempt questions, express my desire to be seen both as having – but not defined by – my disability, and ultimately feel more relaxed and connected. The positive responses from others showed how being vulnerable can foster trust and confidence.

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Mother’s Day Letter to my Mother

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I wrote this letter to my mother to share empathy for all that she has experienced raising a child with a hand difference and express my appreciation and gratitude for all that she has contributed to me over my life.

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Preparing yourself for when your child feels SAD about their limb difference

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On social media, parents often share about the hard moments when their children feel sadness about their limb difference for the first time. Before offering suggestions for supporting children during these difficult moments, I wanted to examine this situation from the parents’ perspective. All children experience sadness about aspects of their life, but this situation is a little different. Let’s explore it!

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Highlights on Hands To Love Hand Camp

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Highlights of the 2023 Hands To Love Hand Camp weekend in Starke, Florida!

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Letter from a Parent to their Child with a Limb Difference

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Overhearing a parent talking to their child with a limb difference inspired me to think about what I would have liked to have heard as a child. Here it is in letter format.

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Other Voices: LFP Weekend 2023 Reflections

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Many adults who attended LFP 2023 Weekend shared reflections on social media about their experiences. Here are two, one from an occupational therapist and the other from an athete, both of whom have upper limb differences!

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Jumping rope at LFP 2023

Lucky Fin Weekend Reflections 2023

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This past weekend, I participated in the Lucky Fin Project weekend for people affected by upper limb differences. As a pediatric occupational therapist with a congenital hand difference, I promoted the information and resources on my website and demonstrated the EazyHold adaptive silicone grip assist.

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