Meet Trace! Trace was born without a right hand and in 2015, he decided to write a children’s book, Uniquely Me. This book has touched the lives of children from all over and has helped spread the word that it’s okay to be different. We love his message and we are so honored to be working with him on his upper extremity prosthesis. Recently, we asked Trace to answer a few questions for us to learn more about him and Uniquely Me. Here is what he had to say!
Q. Trace, can you tell us a little about yourself?
Sure! I recently graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Marketing, and I’m currently working for an event staffing company in Richmond, Virginia. Aside from being a published children’s author and having one hand, I’m a pretty typical 22-year-old! I play videogames, hang out with friends, attend concerts, and sleep in past noon on weekends. I have three siblings and an adorable nephew, and I’m very grateful to have had the support of friends, family, and the community throughout my journey of writing and publishing Uniquely Me!
Q. How did you find Infinite Technologies?
I had actually been looking into upper extremity prosthetic devices and the different options available for a few months before I found Infinite Technologies, but I hadn’t really acted on my interest. I was attending George Mason at the time and happened to drive past the office with a few friends on my way back to campus one day! I did some research into Infinite Technologies and decided it would be the best place for me to start!
Q. Why did you decide to write Uniquely Me?
When I was younger there were very few, if any, resources for children with limb differences or for their parents. There certainly weren’t many children’s books for them, and while that number has started to increase recently, there is still a huge need for such books. I knew that I wanted to help kids with disabilities overcome some of the same challenges I faced when I was young, and decided the best way to achieve that was to write a book! My hope is that Uniquely Me will help not only children with disabilities, but any child who worries about being different.
Q. How have things changed for you since you wrote this book?
Since writing Uniquely Me, I have been introduced to some of the most incredible people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Until a few years ago, I had no idea just how large the limb-different community truly is, and now I am proud to say that I have not only become a part of that community, but through Uniquely Me I have been able to make a positive impact on it as well.
Q. Will there ever be a sequel to Uniquely Me?
I am actually in the middle of a Kickstarter campaign right now, with about 25 days left, to fund a second book titled Uniquely Brave! This will hopefully begin the process to turn Uniquely Me into a series, and I am incredibly excited to see where it goes!
We want to take a moment to thank Trace for being our spotlight patient for August and for taking the time to answer our questions.
You can order his book on Amazon and on his website.
You can also check out his Kickstarter campaign here!