Kevin Carroll, MS, CP, FAAOP, vice president of prosthetics at Hanger Clinic—a business unit of Hanger Inc, Austin, Tex—recently received the Nancy Ford Springer Inspiration Award at the 2015 National Meningitis Foundation (NMA) “Give Kids a Shot!” Gala in New York City. He received the award for his long-term work treating meningitis survivors—many of whom lose limbs as a result of the potentially fatal disease—according to a media release from Hanger Inc.
Carroll has spent more than 30 years developing artificial limbs, educating the prosthetics community, and working to improve the lives of amputees, according to the Hanger release. He is described as well-versed in prosthetic treatment needs post-meningococcal disease and, according to the release, has personally worked to equip both pediatric and adult survivors with tools to improve their mobility.
“I am extremely grateful to be the recipient of the Nancy Ford Springer Inspiration Award—this is such an honor,” Carroll states. “It is a privilege to work with those who have survived meningococcal disease. Witnessing their strength and determination is an inspiration to me, and one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”
“We are pleased to honor Kevin Carroll with the Nancy Ford Springer Inspiration Award,” says NMA President Lynn Bozof. “After Nancy’s son, Nick, survived meningococcal disease, she was committed to helping individuals and families affected by the disease and became a founder of the National Meningitis Association. Many meningococcal disease survivors, including Nick, are amputees, and Kevin’s commitment to giving independence back to people who have amputations reflects Nancy’s dedication to supporting those impacted by this disease.”
Carroll appeared in news reports several years ago for his contributions in the creation of a prosthetic tail fluke for Winter the dolphin. In the process of fitting the tail fluke, Carroll reportedly helped develop a protective prosthetic liner described as being beneficial for amputees with delicate skin, according to the Hanger media release. This work reportedly became the basis for the movie Dolphin Tale, released in 2011 and starring Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson, and Harry Connick, Jr.
[Source: Hanger Inc]