13-year-old uses 3D printer to help teen with nerve disease play the cello
13-year-old kid with nerve disease can now better play his cello thanks to Thirteen-year-old Mahsa Riar, a resident of Loudoun County ASHBURN, Va. She is already the CEO of a small company called “Limitless Limb.” The nonprofit organization specializing in creating and donating personalized 3D-printed prosthetic arms for children.
The most recent recipient of Mahsa’s 3D printed prosthetic is 13-year-old Aspiring cellist Brenden Ness. Ness has neuropathy, a condition that creates tingling and numbness in his hands and makes it hard to handle his instrument. The disability causes his ring and middle fingers to have a tendency to lift off his bow while playing the cello, causing the bow to strike the cello’s strings at an improper angle.
“[Neuropathy] makes it hard to do certain things like hold my bow,” he said.
Masha’s solution to the issue was a 3D device to wrap around Ness’ bow that locks his middle and ring fingers onto the playing tool. It took her about a month to design and 3D print.
Cool story in Loudoun County. 13-yo Brenden Ness has neuropathy, which makes it harder for his hand to control the bow on his cello. So, 13-yo Mahsa Riar 3-D printed a device to help Brenden keep his hand on his bow so he can continue perform. (@wusa9) pic.twitter.com/vRxM5GQyUV
— John Henry (@JohnHenryWUSA) March 2, 2020
Ness said he has noticed a difference in his playing ability too.
“I’m grateful,” he said. “Very grateful.”
Masha’s mother, Ferri, said she was not surprised her daughter was willing to help a boy she did not even know.