BROTHERS FOR LIFE EXOSYM PROGRAM
LONG STRIDES FOR IDF VETERANS
About the
ExoSym Program
Many wounded soldiers suffer from severe leg injuries that leave them physically and emotionally devastated. Not being able to walk properly takes a toll on their body and weakens their spirit. In 2014 BFL discovered ExoSym, a state-of-the-art prosthetic brace originally developed by the US Department of Defense. The ExoSym Brace allows veterans with severely limited mobility to walk independently again and in many cases even run. Every six months, BFL flies a group of injured soldiers from Israel to the Hanger Clinic in Gig Harbor, Washington for a 2-week process that includes brace fitting, prosthetic support and optimization training. To date, 30 injured IDF veterans have thrown away their canes and crutches and can now walk independently. Some of them have gone from walking with canes to rigorous CrossFit training. The cutting-edge ExoSym brace has changed their lives.
Climbing Europe's
Highest Mountain After being fitted with ExoSym braces, the soldiers continue to train and run together. In August 2019, 18 program members embraced their biggest challenge yet: climbing Mount Elbrus, Europe's highest mountain. After completing a year-long training, the group fought wind, cold, fatigue and physical pain to climb 5,642 meters. They were successful, and they couldn’t have done it without ExoSym.
The Program
in Numbers
34
injured veteran soldiers participated in the ExoSym Program from 2014 to 2019
9
12
injured veterans to be fitted in 2022
15
injured veterans to be fitted in 2020
injured veterans to be fitted in 2023
Financial Data BFL receives the ExoSym brace at a reduced base cost of $9,500 per member. Ancillary bracing or prosthetic support is often required, which can raise the cost to as much as $20,000. The total cost per injured veteran including flights from Israel and lodging for the two-week training process averages at $18,000 (depending on the level of support needed).
$ 20,625
The average cost for fitting one wounded soldier with the ExoSym brace (including all surrounding costs)
$ 165,000
Annual program cost for 2021
How
Can You Help? Brothers for Life is looking for partners who want to fund the ExoSym Program and help combat soldiers with severe leg injuries get the cutting-edge care they deserve. They bravely served their country. It's now time to help them walk proud again.
Meet
The Soldiers Below is a BFL member whose life was positively impacted by the ExoSym Program.
Rafael Kellen Rafael served in Oketz, an Elite IDF unit that employs dogs and combat soldiers for special operations. During an operation on Israel's northern border, Refael's team was ambushed by terrorists. The terrorists threw an explosive device, and Rafael's dog jumped on Rafael in order to save him. Rafael was severely wounded in the explosion, and his dog died instantly. Rafael suffered a severe injury to his right leg, as well as burns in his hands and face. He also suffered shrapnel wounds all over his body. Rafael joined BFL in 2015. After undergoing several examinations, he traveled to Seattle in 2017 for an ExoSym brace fitting. Thanks to his new brace, Rafael was able to participate in standard and extreme sport activities. In July 2019, Rafael and 17 other combat soldiers climbed Mt. Elbrus – Europe's highest mountain. Rafael has recently received a scholarship for his academic studies. He is also an instructor for youth at risk.
$20,625 will allow one wounded IDF veteran to take a giant step towards walking properly again. Brothers for Life, “Achim LaChaim" in Hebrew, is a non-profit organization created and run by wounded soldiers from Israel’s elite Duvdevan anti-terror unit and based on the unique model of "injured soldiers helping newly injured soldiers". Brothers for Life is currently working with over 950 injured soldiers and their families.
CONTACT US 270 South Hanford Street, Suite #207 Seattle WA 98134 Phone +1 206-691-5096 www.achimlachaim.org www.brothersforlife.com Brothers for life