State Helps Teen Injured In ATV Accident Get New Advanced Prosthetic

A 15-year-old who lost her right arm last spring in an ATV accident at Keystone Lake is one step closer to recovery.

Monday, Lily Rhodes' doctors at Hanger Clinic fitted her with a special prosthetic arm that will increase her mobility and help her do everyday things.

Lily Rhodes is a survivor. She lost her arm eight months ago in an ATV accident and now she's getting a computerized arm to help her out.

5/13/2015 Related Story: Tulsa 14-Year-Old Loses Arm, Not Spirit, In ATV Wreck

"I think it will be really helpful, I really do. So I'm really excited to finally have it," she said.

Instead of celebrating with a big hug her mom, Pam, she gave a different gesture, a handshake.

Lily flexes her bicep and triceps muscles to make the arm work. The signals can turn the mechanical hand and operate the fingers.

Pam Rhodes is glad her daughter's team of doctors worked with the state's insurance department to get the advanced arm approved through insurance.

"I told my husband this morning, it feels like progress, we're moving forward. It felt like we were stagnant for so long and now things are just moving," she said.

And having this kind of mobility is important for the high school freshman.

Pam said, "She's excited about it. She's excited to show it off and just to have relief from some of the discomfort she was experiencing living with one arm for this amount of time."

"It doesn't really feel like it's anything...when I have this on I don't feel my hand anymore, so it's almost like this is my arm again," Lily said.

Her doctors contacted the Oklahoma Insurance Department in hopes the state could cut through the red tape to get her the more advanced prosthetic, and it worked.

The insurance department does handle these types of claims. You can call the Oklahoma Insurance Department toll-free hotline at 800-522-0071 for more information.