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strongly recommended that Luke stand two hours a day. For months, that meant that Zimmerli or Seston had to stand alongside Luke for extended stretches to support him. There were walkers that could do that — Luke used one during physical therapy sessions — but they cost several thousand dollars. In a long conversation with Seston, the doctor had explained what therapies he would recommend for Luke if resources were unlimited, versus the therapies that insurance would cover. It was a
tough conversation. Among the items not likely to be covered was this special walker. Seston was discouraged, but his mind started whirring. While interviewing prospective CA students for the Admissions Office, he often talks about DEMONS, the school’s invention club, coached by science teacher John Pickle. Members of DEMONS (Dreamers, Engineers, Mechanics, and Overt Nerds) have built all kinds of practical things — a tricycle to move recycling bins, a crane for film department cameras — why
not a suspension walker? Seston mentioned the idea to the orthopedist, who happens to have both a medical degree and an engineering degree. He was intrigued. Seston knew several DEMONS members, and knew that two former DEMONS are now at MIT, so he had no doubt the club could build a walker, especially with Pickle’s guidance. In November, he casually broached the subject. “John’s eyes lit up,” Seston said. “He jumped on it right away and brought it to DEMONS.” In
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History teacher Sally Zimmerli helped her son, Luke Seston, with his special walker, designed and built by CA students.