Spotlight Story: Bobbie Smith

Bobbie Smith is always on the go. After spending 10 years as a mechanic in the United States Army and another 20 working for the United States Postal Service, Bobbie was forced to retire due to developing prostate cancer. Bobbie’s life was saved through radiation therapy, but the toll on his body was extensive. His back required a spinal fusion and due to bad circulation from his diabetes he lost a portion of his foot.

Today, Bobbie uses a motorized chair to get around his home and outside. However, the stairs to his home presented an enormous obstacle to getting in and out. “I’m not really a home body. I want to explore, stay busy, participate in activities, and give back to the community,” Bobbie says. “But because I need a chair to get around I can’t get out of my house without help.” Bobbie’s neighbors, family, and roommates all pitch in to help him in and out of his home, however they aren’t always available to help. “My daughter has to take off work to help me in and out to go to the doctor,” Bobbie says. “If she’s not working, then she’s not making money so it’s twice as bad.” Bobbie says he wants to keep as much independence as he can. “I say keep because once you lose it it’s so hard to get it back. A ramp would help me so much to not lose that.”

With the help of ABC Prosthetics & Orthotics and their volunteer group “Limb-It-Less,” Bobbie got his ramp on February 9, 2019. Made from aluminum, this ramp will last even longer and be better able to withstand the wet Florida climate. Now it is so much easier for Bobbie to maneuver in and out of his home! “It’s going great… the ramp is tremendous!” Bobbie said. “I have so much freedom of movement and feel much more independent.”