Natasha Hope-Simpson Canadian student who received a 3D prosthetic leg Country: Canada

Biography of Natasha Hope-Simpson

Natasha Hope-Simpson, a Canadian student who received a 3D-printed leg prosthesis, is a student at NSCAD University in Canada. She lost her left leg below the knee in a car accident a few years ago. While her previous prosthesis allowed her to walk and was functional, it did not have the aesthetic appeal that she desired. As a result, she took matters into her own hands and became the designer and developer of her own prosthesis, with the help of a 3D printer. The entire process took place at Thinking Robot Studios, a place that Natasha credits for changing her life.

Natasha has always had a love for art and creating beautiful things. She felt it was worth trying to create something beautiful specifically for herself. Her prosthesis is anything but ordinary - it is intricately carved with unique patterns and perfectly matches the shape of her leg. It is a far cry from the traditional steel prostheses that many are accustomed to. Functionally, it is on par with other prostheses, but it offers even greater comfort. Using a 3D printer allows for the inclusion of all the intricacies and nuances of the leg structure.

The development process started with scanning her healthy right leg, which served as the blueprint for her missing left leg. Despite having only one week to complete the project, Natasha and the professionals at Thinking Robot Studios were able to accomplish their goal. Today, Natasha cherishes all the drawings and designs from the studio, as they remind her of the wonderful time she spent working on her remarkable prosthesis.

The advent of 3D printing has revolutionized the lives of individuals with missing limbs. Prostheses can now be made faster, at a lower cost, and are more accessible. This is particularly important for women who want to maintain their femininity. Natasha firmly believes that everyone should have the opportunity to choose the design of their own prosthesis, as it is a deeply personal part of their body. She proudly showcases her artificial leg and takes great pride in the fact that she actively participated in its development.