Five bioengineering students worked on the project for Cabrera, who was born with her left arm incomplete. The goal was to help her gain better control of the bow—and they got creative with materials and colors, 3D printing the prosthetic in pink.
“I’m very, very grateful,” says Cabrera. “Without these people, I don’t think I could be able to play my violin. I don’t think I could be able to play any instrument.”
The students worked with her for a year in creating and then refining the prosthetic. The team reported that Cabrera was great to work with because she was so quick to offer feedback. They made adjustments after the first model to offer greater comfort and more control for the young—and obviously quite talented—violinist. The prosthetic has four parts: the forearm, upper arm, bow holder, and metal rod. The bow holder is crucial in that it allows for 360-degree rotation, and stability.
In using the second iteration, with more control, she is better able to press down on the notes, and she states that indeed she does love the color too. Cabrera indicates that she may have interest in learning to play other instruments in the future. She has been working with violin teacher Elizabeth Adams from George Mason. Cabrera had not only support from the bioengineering students, and her teacher, but also her mother who remarks on how much she has been able to accomplish, with a great support system encouraging her along the way.
“I’ve always had perseverance in myself,” says Cabrera. “Giving up has just never been a thought in my mind.”
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[Source: WTOP; Images: AP/Steve Helber]