PITTSBURGH — Step by step, with help from brand new technology, Mary Maloney has a renewed chance to use her legs again.
Friday, AHN showed us its new robotic exoskeleton called EKSONR, a groundbreaking device that helps Mary and other patients with neurological conditions regain mobility.
“It was mind blowing cause the only way I have stood before then after my injury was therapists and it was difficult and I remember getting in the exoskeleton and it’s strong, it’s smart and works with you and you just feel this glimmer of hope,” Mary said.
Back in 2020, Mary, 13 at the time, suffered a rare spinal stroke following a trampoline accident.
“When I look back, I feel like me in 2020 would be just so proud and probably disappointed that I’m still not there yet but proud I’ve taken up the issue and ran with it,” Mary said.
This is the first FDA-cleared robotic exoskeleton for stroke and spinal cord injury patients. An AHN doctor says it will improve and impact many lives in our area.
“Giving them another therapeutic tool to allow them to do standing exercises walking exercises other things that wouldn’t have been possible locally before,” Dr. Gary Hoover said.
The California-based company that developed the device, Ekso Bionics, says this is a cutting edge technology that took about 13 years to make.
“We are excited because we keep evolving this technology where patients that are diverse that have M.S. or a brain injury can use the technology with their therapist,” Ekso Bionics representative Andy McGuigan said.
Mary says the device gives her the strength she needs and is now excited for what the future holds.
“I think that to keep going it exactly what I want because giving up would be leaving everything I want to achieve,” Mary said.
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