Exhibit to benefit kids in need of orthotics
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In an exhibit this month at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, area podiatrist Louis J. DeCaro will combine his avocation - a lifelong passion for photography - with his vocation.
Opening with a reception today from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the New Gallery will be "Passing Perspectives," a selection of DeCaro's favorite photography. The proceeds from the sale of the signed, limited edition framed prints will be used to purchase orthotics for children in the Valley who cannot afford them. Orthoses, devices worn in shoes which support and aid the biomechanical shortcomings of the foot type, are often not covered by health insurance policies, DeCaro says.
"Throughout my life I have had a passion for photography and have chronicled my travels with a camera. I have chosen to blend my two passions in life ... into a worthwhile endeavor," DeCaro said.
For every print sold, DeCaro will purchase three pairs of littleSTEPS pre-fabricated UCB-type orthotics, which DeCaro helped design. The device is meant to help children with conditions such as flat feet.
DeCaro, a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Pediatrics, with offices in Easthampton and South Deerfield, treats conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg.
According to DeCaro, 75 percent of Americans will experience some type of foot problem in their lives.
"The ... orthoses that I will be providing to kids in need will enable early intervention and treatment of many musculoskeletal conditions common to children such as foot or limb pain ("growing pains"), fatigue, decreased endurance, and balance," DeCaro said.
"The only real preventative solution for many issues related to the feet and biomechanical structure is getting patients orthotics," DeCaro said. "All seems easy until parents find out that most of the time orthotics are not covered by insurance and need to make the hard decisions of where they are going to get the money to help their kids."
Dr. DeCaro's work will be on view in October at Greenfield Savings Banks and at Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield from Nov. 7 through Jan. 6, 2011.
For more information or to order prints online, visit www.decaropodiatry.com and click on the pediatric fundraiser logo, or send an email to louisdecaro@decaropodiatry.com.
