I personally find it an amazing thing when modern science works not only for our personal amusement, but truly makes a difference in people's lives. In this case, modern medicine has changed a little girl's life, giving her the chance to live the life of normal kids of her age.

As Echo-News informs us, Ellie May Challis lost all of her limbs because of meningitis in 2005. Now, she has become the youngest person in the world to be fitted with high performance carbon fiber legs. Her story is unique, because, against all odds, she survived the illness that struck her so young. Unfortunately, the doctors had to amputee all her limbs.

People from across Essex who heard of her case supported her parents through donations and fund raising; therefore, they were able to contact Dorset Orthopaedic. The world renowned prosthetic center specialists had to design a set of carbon fiber legs especially for Ellie May, because they had never made such small parts. The company's director said that they “were worried that she wouldn’t be able to balance properly on them, but she has made amazing progress. Within seconds of having them on, she was off. It will change her life.”

She was fitted with her new legs three weeks ago and feels great wearing them, as her father declared that “Ellie can walk twice as fast on these new legs. She is so full of determination.” Now, she can keep up with her school mates and her twin sister Sophie. Ellie was first fitted with NHS prosthetic limbs after her initial operation, but could not manage wearing them, as they gave hear tremendous pain while walking. For the moment, she feels great, but as she grows up, her new legs will have to be replaced every two years.


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