Posted on 06/10/2014 4:06:36 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Children suffering from scoliosis — curvature of the spine — may one day have a new treatment, thanks to the invention of a Long Island high school student.
As CBS 2′s Carolyn Gusoff reported, Harry Paul, 17, knows first-hand what it’s like growing up in need of constant spinal operations, and he’s on a mission to change that.
“I’m happy when I’m helping people, and I’m better at helping people by being happy,” said Paul, a senior at Paul D. Schreiber High School.
Paul, who stands 4 feet, 10 inches tall, has endured more than a dozen surgeries to treat severe curvature of the spine, a disability he was born with.
“I had to go to this hospital for another surgery every three to six months,” he explained.
Scoliosis, however, did not stop Paul from doing what many other kids also do — launching a school science research project. But for him, it was personal.
Paul designed a spinal implant that expands, allowing the spine to grow straight, buying more time for a child between operations. “I’m hoping that the treatment will be easier and better for the children, so they won’t have to go through the same orderal that I went through,” he said.
Marla Ezratty, a science teacher at Paul D. Schreiber High School, said the implants should be usable for children within three years.
“It’s just incredible because what happens now is that you don’t have to have all of these surgeries,” Ezratty said.
The school science project has earned Paul recognition on the world stage. He received top honors at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. He’s now partnering with an engineering company to get the implant tested and developed. Altogether, Paul has won seven major science awards and more than $20,000 in prize money.
“My mission in life was to be as happy, healthy and productive as I could, and to do something for others whenever possible,” Paul said.
Paul will attend Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, in the fall to study biomedical engineering and public health.
7 Awards. Very impressive.
Yet a d-bag like Jay Z is a billionaire. This clearly shows what our society values. Poisonous hip hop - Yes! Science and medical innovations to save lives - not so much.
Wonderful story! Wonderful young man! He gives me some hope for the future!
What a wonderful young man!
What a great, heartwarming story. When life handed Harry Paul lemons, he made lemonade!
It’s true the $20K prize money isn’t that much vs JayZ but over his lifetime, once this procedure is patented, and all others he will likely develop in his future, royalties should provide a more than comfortable lifestyle.
($20K will pay less than half of one year’s tuition and costs at Tufts so we’ll assume he’s received other scholarships. And, it should be noted, Pt Washington where he lives is a more affluent NYC suburb)
That’s about as close as one can get to seeing True joy on a video. Incredible young man! Thanks for posting.
Wow! What an amazing young man. May God bless him and his endeavors.
The last comment is in jest. Congrats Harry on your invention and I'm glad your folks raised you to be an outstanding American. Good luck at Tufts.
Pretty amazing!
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