Photo Credit: Timothy Quiring

Shaun Melendy Limb-it-less

My entire life I’ve been helping others. Mostly with my hands fixing things large and small, or being there at the right time. On May 5th 2022, things were going to change, so I thought, in so many ways for me.

I’m a Coast Guard veteran and active outdoorsman who loves mechanics, technology, nature, and facility maintenance. On that day in May I was hit head-on by a distracted driver while I was riding my motorcycle. The accident not only took my left hand but numerous other traumatic injuries but not my determination. My grandmother was a steadfast example of how to overcome physical challenges so much at a young age, and I’m going to apply it by helping others. With Faith, determination, and support of those around you can accomplish anything.

I became the first patient in the world under a traumatic amputation in a acute setting to undergo a revolutionary procedure. My first of its kind amputation revision thanks to the Stepping Strong Center. My amputation maintained the links between my brain and muscles, so I feel as though my hand is there. Additional benefits of the Ami procedure are to minimize or eliminate phantom limb pains that are so common with traditional amputations.

A man in a wheelchair giving a thumbs up, with a prosthetic arm, in a medical office. A poster of a woman with the word 'Im-POSSIBLE' hangs on the wall behind him.

A smiling man in a hospital bed with a head bandage, giving a thumbs-up, surrounded by hospital equipment.

Man with a beard sitting outdoors in a motorized wheelchair, holding a can of Sprite, with a tree and green foliage in the background, sunlight on his face.

A person in a wheelchair with a bandage on their arm is being kissed by a large dog, possibly a mastiff, on a driveway. There is a small American flag and rocks on the grass nearby.

A man with a shaved head and beard smiling at the camera, wearing a black T-shirt with periodic table elements spelling 'Be Au Sm'. He is holding a black grilling glove and standing at a food booth with other people in the background.

A woman wearing blue medical scrubs and a man with a beard holding a trombone inside a room with a window and yellow curtains.

Man standing in front of a blue wall with the words 'Department of Occupational Therapy' and the slogan 'Educate, inspire, innovate, empower.' pointing at the sign.

A man giving a presentation on stage with a projected photo of a young boy sitting outdoors.

A man wearing a gray polo shirt and a name tag is speaking at a presentation, standing behind a podium with a sign that reads "Brigham and Women" and a background screen celebrating a 10-year anniversary.

A robotic hand pointing at the sign for the Jerome Lemelson Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

A robotic hand giving a thumbs up in front of a blue screen with the word 'Tufts' displayed on it.

A large conference room filled with people attending a presentation. There is a speaker at the front of the room next to a large screen displaying a slide titled 'After the Accident'.

Two men, one with prosthetic lower leg, examine a prosthetic hand on the other man's arm in a workshop or lab setting.

A person with an artificial hand holding a glass with an American flag design in a kitchen.

Links

A man with a bald head, wearing reflective sunglasses and a navy hoodie with pink and yellow text, is sitting outdoors on a summer day, holding a smartphone in his right hand. Behind him, there are snowboards leaning against a dark wall, and a stone wall is visible on the left side.

WBZ 4 West Bridgewater man receives first of its kind surgery

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Psyonic: Only one person in the world has had this surgery — and he’s an Ability Hand user

A robotic hand with a black carbon fiber covering, positioned against a plain gray background.

BE AU SM Podcast: From Half Left to All Right With Shaun Melendy

Three men seated in a recording studio, wearing headphones and speaking into microphones. There are beverage cans and papers on the table, and black acoustic panels on the walls.

The Brockton Enterprise: West Bridgewater man controls remarkable prosthetic hand with his thoughts

Front page of 'The Sunday Enterprise' newspaper with headline 'Power of His Mind' about a West Bridgewater man controlling his prosthetic hand. Includes a photo of a man with a prosthetic hand and a mug decorated with stars and stripes.

Harvard University:A Groundbreaking Journey in Trauma Care

A man in a hospital bed with a brace on his chest, holding his hand on his chest, and a woman standing beside him with her arms around his shoulders in a hospital room with medical equipment and chairs.

Alabama Schools, and ASNA Alabama School Nutrition Association

New Jersey School Buildings & Grounds Association Harrah's Atlantic City

A man in a dark purple polo shirt and jeans is standing on a stage with a black background, holding a tablet in his left hand and gesturing with his right hand. An American flag is partially visible to his right.

The New Yorker Magazine December 2025

Two men are in a workshop or lab, with one man holding the other's arm, which is wrapped in a medical cast with electronic wires and a prosthetic hand. The men are focused on the prosthetic hand, which is black and appears to be robotic.

A woman and a man holding an award together, with balloons spelling 'JOY' in the background. They are smiling and wearing matching 'Stepping Strong' marathon shirts, celebrating marathon achievement.

2023 Hero Award The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation

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