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When industrial designer Ernie Meadows and his wife, Marj, lost their daughter, Ellen, Ernie decided to create a legacy to their daughter’s memory. Originally, Ernie intended to design a functional prosthetic hand for children injured by land mines. Over time, he developed a design for a low-cost, light, durable, and functional prosthetic hand. He knew this would help anyone who needed a prosthetic hand and could not afford available alternatives.

Our experience today informs us that those who benefit from the LN4 hand may have been injured by landmines, work accidents, electricity, acts of violence, or have suffered a congenital condition.

In 2006, Ernie gave this prosthetic hand to Rotarian friends, specifically to the Ellen Meadows Prosthetic Hand Foundation, specifying that no one may profit from the production or distribution and that recipients wouldn’t be charged.

During 2007, our efforts were devoted largely to the development of our manufacturing capability; a few hundred prototype LN4 hands were built and distributed before 2007. The Rotary Clubs of RI District 5160, in northern California, were instrumental in providing the funding support and the Rotarian time and effort to make this our improved manufacturing possible.

Today, we have expanded our operations, creating sustainable and diverse partnerships. We work with individuals and organizations, including Rotary clubs, medical clinics, and other friends in many places to organize fitting events for large numbers of people. LN4 Ambassadors have carried LN4 hands to the almost every corner of the globe, spanning 90+ countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, Vietnam, India, Jordan, Uganda, Tanzania, and more.