One giant step

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

Erica Gonzales has suffered since birth with neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body.
Over the years, the 36-year-old from St. Bernard, La., has had about 30 operations. In 1986, she had her left leg amputated below the knee. In 1996, the leg was amputated above the knee. She uses a prosthesis or crutches.
"It’s something I’ve lived with," Gonzales said. "I’ve always had a positive attitude."
In 2005, Gonzales endured a non-medical crisis. Her house was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. She and her large extended family moved to camper trailers in other parts of Louisiana.
"Ninety-nine percent of St. Bernard lost their homes and businesses," she said.
But some good came out of that natural disaster. The American people responded with an amazing outpouring of assistance for hurricane victims. Habitat for Humanity, among other organizations, helped rebuild houses in the devastated areas. Gonzales, who lived on Linda Lou Drive with her husband and youngest son, was chosen to receive a new home right across the street.
Two of the Habitat for Humanity volunteers, Jeanne Doucette and Heather Self, did more than lay flooring and put up walls in 100-degree heat. The friends from Virginia noticed that the prosthesis Gonzales wore was in shabby condition.
"We thought it might be good for her to get a new leg and a new house," Doucette said.
Doucette and Self organized a fund-raising concert that took place last November.
By that time, Doucette already had been in contact with Dave Lawall, a certified prosthetist/orthotist and manager of the Lawall Orthotic and Prosthetic Services office at 8028 Frankford Ave.
The tie-in? Scott Cebulski, Doucette’s cousin, had received a prosthesis from Lawall.
Lawall and his staff were glad to help Gonzales, paying to bring her to Philadelphia and for all the time and services it takes to fit someone with a new prosthetic leg.
The businessman said the company, though far removed from the situation in Louisiana, wanted to show some Northern hospitality. In this area, he noted, the worst damage from a storm typically is a flooded basement.
"When we heard this story, we were all on board," he said. "For us in the Northeast to be able to touch someone down in Louisiana, we were all excited."
Last week, Gonzales was in town to work with Lawall and his staff.
"Our challenge was to get the prosthesis made in five days," said Lawall, explaining that the process generally takes two weeks.
Gonzales and her sister-in-law, Lana Alonzo, met Doucette and Self in Virginia before traveling to Philadelphia. They saw some of the city’s attractions, but the most important part of the trip was visiting the Lawall office to try on the prosthetic and attempt to walk with it.
Prosthetics are expensive, and Gonzales could not afford a top-of-the-line unit because of a high insurance co-pay. She had to get a new prosthetic every 18 months or so after her frequent surgeries. The last surgery was in September 2007, and she hopes that’s the final one for a while.
Lawall, whose company employs 70 people in offices on both sides of the 8000 block of Frankford Ave., said the staff is particular about its work.
The prosthetics are custom-made to the exact measurements of the client.
Gonzales is happy with her lightweight prosthetic, a 9-pound device with a plastic top, a metal bottom and a fiberglass foot.
"It’s a tremendous improvement," she said. "It works so much better when I’m standing, walking and sitting in a chair. It will take time to get used to it, but I’ll do it."
Gonzales, who acknowledges pushing herself too hard sometimes, said the prosthetic felt strong as she walked both inside the Lawall offices and outside on the sidewalk along Frankford Avenue.
Lawall expects the device to last for five years before the wear and tear forces Gonzales to get another one. It will enable her to lift her left foot, bend at the knee and walk without swinging her leg to the side.
"It’s a higher-functioning prosthesis than she was wearing before," Lawall said. "I don’t foresee any problem with her getting used to the prosthesis. It’ll be a natural gait she’s walking with."
Gonzales credits her parents, Cathie and Brian, with making her an active child. She ran, jumped and played games like the other kids. Over the years, she’s marched in Mardi Gras parades. Today, she’s busy with family matters, household chores and her son’s school activities.
Now that’s she back home, she’ll see her prosthetist/orthotist Eddie Restivo, who will make adjustments as needed.
Gonzales is not only delighted to have a new prosthetic leg, but her heart is warmed by the support from Doucette, Self and the Lawall company.
"It’s really been an amazing experience," she said. "I’m so grateful and thankful. Everyone has been superb. It means a lot." ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com