A new melody for Samuel

I met Samuel when I was 3 years old during our violin lessons. Growing up amidst strings, notes, and laughter, I often found it hard to comprehend how someone as talented as Samuel could be born with congenital agenesis of the right arm, which means he was missing part of his hand and forearm.

He had an amazing talent, but he also faced challenges with the prosthetic he used to play violin. Samuel’s old prosthetic was stiff and elongated, restricting the natural movement of his wrist and making it hard for him to be flexible while playing the violin.

I don’t know why, but I always believed that someday I would help him find a solution.

Years later, while experimenting with my brothers' 3D printers, I began to envision a different kind of prosthetic for Samuel. Nothing extravagant, just a more comfortable way for him to play in his own style. It took weeks of testing, adjustments, and conversations.

Samuel was involved in every detail, from the angle of the bow to the finishes that ensure his comfort. With each attempt, we learned together.

The new prosthetic was designed so that Samuel could hold the bow as he always had, but now without losing the freedom of wrist movement—something essential for playing fluidly.

The fitting comes right after the wrist, preserving his mobility. To keep the bow secure, we added small screws that he can adjust himself.

The angle of the piece was also personalized. The new prosthetic was a result of weeks of testing and discoveries to find the way that best fit into his unique playing style.

The result was a prosthetic that preserves wrist movement, providing autonomy and freedom for his own adjustment. It wasn't about creating something perfect, but about listening, experimenting, making mistakes, and starting over.

Meanwhile, I remembered the story of Adrian Anantawan, a Canadian violinist who was born without part of his arm and turned his journey into inspiration for the world.

He once said, "Often, we let fear stop us from trying anything. For me, my story has always been about simply trying, accepting failure, and seeing what results come from it."

In the end, I realized that this process was also a learning experience for me. I learned that innovation doesn’t come from the pursuit of perfection, but from listening, and a genuine desire to improve someone’s situation.

More than just helping Samuel, this journey taught me about friendship, resilience, and how technology is truly meaningful when it serves the needs of people.

visit the website to learn more about Andrian's history: https://www.adriananantawan.com/