Aubrey Sauvie, a 12-year-old girl born with a rare congenital condition that left her without both arms below the elbows and some toes, has defied her physical limitations to pursue her passions. Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, recently reached a new milestone thanks to an innovative solution.
In an interview with WKRN, Sauvie expressed her perspective on her disability: “It’s just one part of me. It doesn’t define who I am.” Despite her challenges, she has excelled in various activities like dancing and martial arts, proving that her spirit transcends physical boundaries.
However, her love for drumming posed a unique challenge. Her school band teacher recognized her potential and sought help from Tennessee Tech University’s ‘Engineering for Kids’ program. This initiative, involving a group of students, aimed to develop prosthetic arms customized for Sauvie’s musical aspirations.
Focused on creating a solution that would enable her to play instruments like the drums and xylophone, the team embarked on designing a 3D-printed prosthetic arm. After meticulous planning and a semester of effort, they successfully crafted a prosthetic that not only fit Sauvie’s needs but also empowered her to play the full drum set confidently.
This innovative approach not only fulfilled Sauvie’s dream of playing music without the hindrance of traditional prosthetics but also underscored the power of technology and empathy in transforming lives. Her story stands as a testament to overcoming adversity with ingenuity and perseverance.
