Lyons, Inc. Prosthetics & Orthotics — Alexander Lyons, C.P.O.

Eric Westover

Original article from scnow.com

MYRTLE BEACH - Eric Westover grew up in Minnesota, and said he used to play soccer to help train for hockey.

MYRTLE BEACH - Eric Westover, in the yellow jersey, defends against shots on goal by friend David Galfetti. Westover, whose right forearm was amputated several years ago, plays goalie on the national amputee soccer team.

He played goalie in both sports, and that didn't end when his right forearm was amputated several years ago. But he hasn't lost his ability--or the opportunity--to play soccer.

"I can do what I did (before the amputation)," said Westover, who now lives in Carolina Forest. "I'm doing it a little differently, but I can still do it," he said.

Eric was approached by representatives from the American Amputee Soccer Association for a spot as a goalie on the U.S. national team it was putting together in 2006.

"A lot of us were athletes before we lost our limb, and to be able to use a sport to get people back, not only exercising but to be an athlete, and to come back and be able to do that is such an incredible feeling," he said.

Westover and his teammates recently took on a team from Haiti made up mostly of earthquake survivors who had lost limbs in the tragedy there last year. The teams played and helped conduct clinics for other interested players and even participants in the Wounded Warriors program in Washington, D.C.

"To be standing out there, with all these other guys, representing the U.S., it was so cool," said Westover. "I'm just really blessed to have the opportunity," he said.

According to the AASA website, 15 other countries have amputee national teams, and there are plans to continue clinics and workshops at schools and hospitals in this country. Westover has hopes he could help start a league in this part of the Carolinas.

"Myrtle Beach may not be the center for it, but there's tons of people in Columbia and Charleston, and Myrtle Beach has some great sports tourism opportunities here to bring people in to do some clinics, just to introduce them to soccer," he said.

If you're interested in soccer programs or other opportunities for amputees, you can contact Eric Westover at

"Even if they walk away and they don't play soccer again, this might get them to go out and do something else they wanted to do," said Westover.

Bill McLean

Visit Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, meander your way through the beautiful paths to the Butterfly Garden and you will find a very special volunteer, Mr. Bill Mclean. Bill volunteers his time and energy to Brookgreen Garden because he loves learning new things and really enjoys meeting new people and sharing everything he has learned. Even with some significant challenges he shows up 4 days a week to give his time to the people and to this beautiful place.

One morning I met him at Brookgreen and found a shady spot to sit and talk a little about his life. He was constantly greeting people and sharing a smile. He retired from the DOD in 2004, where he served as a civilian communications specialist. Prior to that he worked at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. with their computer systems. He also served our country in the US Navy as an Electronic War Technician.

Mr. Mclean suffered as a young man from diabetes which caused several related health issues. In 1990 he had his first amputation of his large toe on his right foot, then in 1997 he had his little toe removed on the right side as well because of gangrene.

Then in 1999 he started feeling poorly and went to his doctor and heard the devastating news that his kidneys were failing and was put on dialysis within the week. This began a series of events that would change his life forever. In 2001 Patricia Martin, his loving sister, decided to donate her kidney to him but they were not a match. She gave her kidney anyway to the Kidney Foundation which then allowed Bill to move to the top of the transplant list for a kidney that would match his. This was the start of a series of amazing blessings in his life.

On July 31, 2001 Bill received a kidney from a young person who died in an accident at 19 years old. This was very humbling for Mr. Mclean to realize the young life that was over and the gift of life he received. He was incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Later he was placed on the transplant list for a pancreas which he received later, again from a young person, age 28 who died in an accident.

Transplants can be difficult and the pancreas proved to be a challenge. After 6 months the pancreas failed and almost immediately a gangrene infection set into his left leg. In July 2002 he had his left leg removed below the knee. He was very reluctant to have the amputation but knew that this was the only hope of saving his life. This was a difficult time but, Mr. Mclean was determined to live and thrive as so many had given so much in an effort to help and sustain his life.

He started rehabilitation immediately following surgery and was determined to progress quickly and get home. In the midst of all this turmoil and pain he and his sister decided they would plan a trip to Hawaii to take a cruise. After a difficult battle back he did indeed take that cruise in 2003 with Patricia and her husband John. This trip was a celebration of life, a time for incredible gratitude and living life as fully as possible. After facing certain death and being given so much he had so much to celebrate and be grateful for.

Bill and his sister and her husband decided they wanted to retire in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area. This proved to be a really great decision for so many reasons, one of which was meeting Alexander Lyons C.P.O., clinician and owner of Lyons Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc., Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He met with Alex about 4 years ago. Mr. Mclean said "I like him a lot because he seemed interested in me, and what I was going through. His office is always light and airy and peaceful and his staff is wonderful."

I thought this was really interesting because, although Alex does phenomenal prosthetic and orthotics work and is known for his creative innovations, his first comments about him were character based. He stated, "I think that the fact that he is a Christian man makes him more sensitive to me. I am always able to see Alex when I need to, and he is always concerned about me as a person."

I asked him what else he liked about Alex he simply stated, "I believed from the first time I met Alex that he was 100% committed to my care and would do whatever he could to help me improve my quality of life. It is because of Alex that I have the Orthotics Brace on my right foot as well, and it has made all the difference in my mobility, Alex is amazing at his craft and keeps his commitments". I thought, what better advertising could Alex Lyons ever have than patients like Mr. Mclean. Finally he said of Alex "I feel a Christian brotherhood with Alex. I am blessed that he keeps the bible at his office, I enjoy reading it while I am there. I am comforted knowing Alex is a Christian and puts God first".

As our time was drawing to a close, I asked Mr. Mclean how these events have changed his life. He said "My faith in God as grown as a result. This adversity has drawn me closer to God and I am strengthened by him. I have learned patience and compassion in a way that I never would have if I had not faced certain death and been blessed with the amazing gifts that have been given. I know my life has purpose and I am determined to live fully. I was once a very quiet introverted man, now I realize that people are precious and life is priceless. I want to be a blessing to others as much as I have been blessed."

Karen Watowa

I drove into a little neighborhood in Conway, South Carolina searching for the home of Karen Watowa. As I slowed my car, I saw a good looking little boy who eyed me intently as I pulled into his driveway. Stepping out of my car he pulled his bike right next to me and greeted me politely and asked if I was looking for his mom. As it turns out this was Karen's 7 year old son, Johntay. I told him I was and he pointed me toward the house and headed out to the road and his waiting friends. I watched him ride away appreciating his sweet greeting and excited to meet his mom.

Karen Watowa answered the door with a beautiful yet nervous smile. She welcomed me into her home where her beautiful daughter, Khyra was playing. As we sat down together I found myself drawn into her life and story in a way I was not expecting. She is a young mother, 27 years old, a fiancé, a daughter and friend and now pregnant with her third child. She is also an amputee that had to overcome incredible difficulties and challenges to get to this moment. Very brave, very strong and determined to be fully present for her family.

As with so many stories of people encountering difficulties or sickness there was a day that started like any other day at work. Karen twisted her ankle at her job and thought she sprained in. After x-rays that showed she did not break it, she was treated for the pain and sent home with a splint. The pain in her foot continued so she returned to the doctor where they performed another x-ray, and found a hairline fracture that was not seen before. She was then sent to rehabilitation where they attempted to treat her for the hairline fracture and performed a normal course of therapy for the fracture. During rehab and afterwards the pain in her foot became unbearable. Her doctor decided to send her for an MRI of her foot, at which time they discovered that she had a tumor in her bone called Clear Cell Sarcoma, a very aggressive cancer. It was shocking news that sent her life into a complete tail spin.

Karen was immediately referred to a doctor in Columbia South Carolina for a biopsy and treatment plan. After a long week of waiting, the fateful call came with the news that the tumor was malignant. This was a huge emotional blow that sent Karen and her family into a tailspin. She had one young son at that time and the very real notion of death was looming over her. The thought of leaving her son was terrifying. As we sat together in her living room the pain of this moment was still so real to her and tears fell from her eyes and I fought back tears as well. There is something so raw about a mother's love

On March 28, 2006, in a doctor's office, in a room full of family, the doctor told her she had to have her leg amputated immediately. By immediately he meant the next day. She was sent directly to the hospital from the doctor's office for surgery the next morning. There was not time to prepare or grieve. She said "I was suddenly so afraid that I would not be able to take care of my son, or teach him to ride a bike". She was not confident that removing the leg would save her life. The fear was overwhelming; it was a lot to take in. A few short hours later Karen entered the world of amputees and began to embrace the challenges this would bring. The days following the surgery were very difficult. She could not be fit with a prosthetic right away because of swelling in her stump. She struggled deeply with depression and incredible pain. But her son gave her strength to keep pushing and trying. There was always the looming fear of the cancer being found in some other part of her body. But each day she grew stronger and determined to live.

She was blessed to find her Prosthetist, Alexander Lyons, C.P.O., clinician and owner of Lyons Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc. in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and receive her first prosthesis in September 2006. There is an interesting coincidence about meeting Alex, she later realized later she had already met him at the store she used to work for. She truly believes that God initiated the encounter with him. She said, "I knew immediately that Alex was the person I was supposed to work with. I knew he was a good man and there was something different about him". She also said, "Alex seems to have an intuition about his patients and has not stopped working with me to get the perfect fit. Alex is really an expert in his field; he knows what he is doing and really cares about his patients".

Karen said "I feel blessed every day I wake up and I know there is a purpose in this. I am a stronger person, a better mother". She adds, "Living life with a disability is hard but every day I find reason to get up and keep going. I am convinced that God really does not give us more than we can handle and amazingly, this has made my faith in God stronger. I realized that everything I was taught in church as a child came flooding back."

Karen and her fiancé Josh have another child on the way despite being told that they would not be able to have any more children, and for that she feels incredibly blessed. Karen is a beautiful and strong young woman. Every day of her life is about overcoming and trusting God for the next step.

Jim Fye

I walked into the clubhouse at Whispering Pines Golf course and asked to see Mr. Fye. Shortly they were on the radio and I over hear the woman say "Fye there is someone here to see you." I heard a voice say "I am over washing carts at the drop off can you send her over." This began my conversation with Mr. Jim Fye.

If you were to see Mr. Fye on any given day wearing pants you would not notice anything different about him at all. In fact, after talking with him he would prefer you don't see him as different or handicapped whatsoever. He told me "I can do anything you can do, I just have to do it differently and it takes a little longer." Mr. Fye is a below the knee amputee who happens to proudly maintain a 9.6 handicap in golf. The day I spoke with him he had been working at the course since 6:30 a.m. it was now 5:00 p.m. in the afternoon. He was still going strong.

Mr. Fye had his leg removed below the knee in November 1999 as a result of a difficult surgery that went wrong. He went to sleep expecting a 2 hour procedure and 13 hours later his life hung in the balance. Three days after surgery, as infection set into his leg there was no other choice but to remove it to save his life and forever alter his existence. He was a factory worker in Indiana, a husband to Roberta "Dee-Dee" and father to Anna. Losing his leg was not part of the plan but he was determined to persevere and play golf again.

After a long winter and some set backs Jim amazingly picked up his clubs in April 2000. He was on a crude temporary prosthesis but he knew he had to try. With his friends around him and his wife encouraging him he began the slow process learning what being an amputee would mean to his golf game and to his life. His golf handicap lingered around 23 at that time. A year later he worked out most of the hard spots, and knew golf was his sanity and his motivation.

In 2001 Mr. Fye and his wife, Dee-Dee moved to Myrtle Beach to retire and to pursue his passion, golf. In 2007 Mr. Fye was fortunate to find Alexander Lyons, C.P.O., clinician and owner of Lyons Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc. in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Alex designs and custom builds prosthetics and was thrilled to take Jim's case. Jim had specific ideas in mind when he went to Lyons and was determined to improve his quality of life and golf game. Mr. Fye stated "Alex is wonderful, he listened and collaborated with me and I now have a foot that adjusts and moves on it's own, it has made all the difference in my game and in my life."

As my time with him was coming to a close I asked him "What is the hardest thing about your life now considering everything you have been through?" He stated "Deciding where to play golf today", with a broad endearing grin and easy chuckle. "Has any good come from this ordeal?" "It's been good to be able to encourage and inspire people with my story, I don't take one moment for granted. My wife is my inspiration and golf is my triumph."

We walked together to the first hole at Whispering Pines and I watched and photographed him golfing. First shot off the tee, 200 yards to the middle of the fairway. Second shot, 5 iron to the green landing the ball 10 feet from the hole.

Two putts to par the hole. I don't know many golfers with two legs that can so effortlessly par any hole. Mr. Fye truly is an inspiration. It was remarkable to witness the design and work of Alex Lyons at Lyons Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc. in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Mr. Fye has experienced several very serious health problems from a heart attack to cancer, as well as the loss of his leg. When asked how this has changed him as a person he simply stated "I am thankful for every moment, I don't plan months from now I live for today, I enjoy each moment like it may be my last." Words to live by.

Glennie Cox

I feel very comfortable with Mr. Lyons. Over the past two and a half years he has helped me with my prosthesis. Since coming to see him, I have been able to stop the use of my cane and can now walk without one. I recommend Lyons Prosthetics to every one.

M. Small

I've worked with Lyons P&O for the past three years and have found their service to be always excellent. They really take the time to listen to me and don't rush me. I would highly recommend them to others.

Ronald "Gene" Neveseta

Growing up in Ohio, Gene Nevseta dreamed of becoming a soldier. In 1949 he joined the Army Airborne and served for 23 years. During that time he rose to the rank of Sergeant 1st Class. After retirement he joined the Conway, SC Police Department and served an additional 23 years. In 2001 Mr. Nevseta developed an infection that caused him to fall into a coma for 2 months. Through many complications and almost certain death, he miraculously came out of the coma and fully recovered from the infection. Unfortunately, while battling the infection, he lost his left leg below the knee.

Determined to go on with his life and remain active, he enlisted the help of his doctors to seek out prosthetic care. Through the use of a prosthesis, Mr. Nevseta relearned how to walk again. Today he is active in the community and enjoys the company of his family and kids.

Charles Williams

"Good experiences with Lyons. They have constantly encouraged me to continue to walk, drive and do things. They have helped me with the tools such as my legs to keep me active. Mr. Lyons works with me and most of all he listens to me. No complaints."

Francis Petrucelli

Working 18 years in textiles and 25+ years in candy manufacturing can be a huge drain on one's time. That's why, when retirement in 1990 came around for Francis Petrucelli, he was more than happy to spend his time doing other things such as fishing and hanging out on the beach. In 1994, with increases in the cost of living, he and his family decided to pick up their roots from New Jersey and move to Myrtle Beach, SC. Continuing their love of the beach and for fishing was not lost with this move and was actually enhanced by discovering the joys of visiting Charleston.

Mr. Petrucelli never gave too much thought about his diabetes. In fact, he never really had a noticeable problem, over a 26 year period, from diabetes until he developed an infection in both of his feet. This infection, which settled into his legs in 2004, lead to a right below knee amputation and a year later to a left below knee amputation.

With a strong desire to get back to an active lifestyle, Mr. Petrucelli, with the help of his doctors, sought out prosthetic care. Today, he uses a prosthetic leg for each limb and is able to walk with the assistance of a walker. Remaining active with physical therapy has helped with his motivation. Mr. Petrucelli will tell you that age does play a factor in using his prostheses as actively as he would desire, but he still manages to get up daily and remains active by seeing his family.

Looking back on his life, Francis Petrucelli strongly suggests that everyone "take their diabetes seriously and make sure to eat as well as possible." He recommends that people should "keep pushing themselves with a positive attitude no matter what life has handed them." This attitude plus a faith in God has helped Mr. Petrucelli get through many tough times.

Sheila Randal

"Alex is pleasant and he made it easy to ask questions and everything is correct. He takes time with his patients and doesn't rush. Alex is as funny as he is smart."

Douglas Saddler

"Doug" as he is affectionately called in his local community, was diagnosed with diabetes in the early 1990's. This ever-pressing illness took its toll on his body and ultimately, 10 years later, led to having both of his legs amputated.

Doug grew up in South Carolina and later went on to graduate from S.C. State College in the year 1968. During his time at college the renowned "Orangeburg massacre" occurred, which encompassed the killing of three unarmed SC State College students while protesting the segregation of a local bowling alley. This event took a significant emotional toll on Doug and he vowed that it should never be forgotten. This event also pushed him to be the best that he could possibly be in all areas of life and drove him to become an outstanding basketball officiator.

It has been reported that Doug has officiated hundreds of basketball games throughout Horry and Georgetown Counties over the past decade. All total he put 39 years of his life into officiating. Recently he was inducted into the South Carolina Officials Hall Of Fame and now he still continues to stay involved in the game of basketball despite being physically challenged with bilateral lower extremity amputations.

It was quoted by one of his colleague officials who officiated beside him for a decade or so that "Sadler has a great basketball mind". The season is not over for Doug. Though he is now walking with the assistance of prosthetics, he is now working with young officials passing on the knowledge he and other officials have gained with their wealth of experience. Doug credits his success to:

• My God
• My wife, Lenora Mention Sadler (Class of '63)
• My son, Demial (Corey)
• My daughter, Dawnavese (Cami)

"My family plays an important role in what makes me "tick." My wife, Lenora, especially was active in helping me schedule basketball games, making phone calls, and explaining to others how I could be reached and when. She taught me how to receive and send information via the computer. She also knew my demeanor after the game. She intentionally would be up when I returned, reminding me not to bring the game home in no uncertain terms. Our children suffered through my absence due to both my officiating and coaching. There are so many things I missed their growing up that I do feel guilty and I know that I can never "turn back the hands of time" to relive the time I have missed with them. You lament and move on. I don't believe that I am any different from any other person that happened to be blessed by notoriety and success. Each has a debt that must be paid. You will always be missing something. Mine is the quality time with my family growing up. Diabetes is not the only thing that can slow me down. Times of absence slow me down even more. Anyone who can choose this lifestyle will have this debt to pay sooner or later. All readers need to be aware of this because you can lose something with success!!! I did it!!"

Today Doug lives with his wife in Conway, SC. He remains active by walking daily and working with the school system.

Robert Obuszewski

"I am very pleased with the care and service I have received from Lyons. The personnel in the office are very courteous and pleasant. I recommend Lyons Prosthetics to every one."

Teresa Holtsclaw

"I have been to many Orthotists for my orthotic needs and Alex Lyons is the one who has made the most positive impact on my life. His ability and his concern for his patients are of the highest standard. He takes a sincere interest in his patient's needs and always takes the time to listen. He will even stop and greet you on the street and ask how you are doing."

Rose Bell

"Lyons P&O has been very helpful to me with my prosthesis. I would recommend them to anyone. They take very good care of you. I've also received a lot of informative materials from them that helps me better understand my situation. Their care and concern are genuine."

Billy Van Vlake

Billy Van Vlake speaks with a slow southern drawl that is typical of a Georgetown South Carolina native. When I arrive at his home I was met with a warm southern welcome and a man ready to share an amazing journey with me. He welcomed me to be seated in his dining room that still held the touches of his late wife Linda, a doll collector, and obviously a lover of trinkets and pretty things. I asked him if his wife was a collector, he laughed and said "She collected everything, a bit of a pack rat." I could see the sweet memories flash through his mind.

Mr. Van Vlake is an above the knee amputee, a heart attack survivor, father, friend, husband and redeemed son of God. His story is a beautiful picture of God's grace and ability to strengthen and grow us through even the most unimaginable set of circumstances and turn those things into something good as he promises he will.

Christmas 2007 would prove to be the beginning of a set of events in Mr. Van Vlake's life that would completely change the landscape of his existence, in ways no one could have anticipated. He woke that morning with one of his toes turning blue and losing circulation in his left leg. He went to the doctor and as luck would have it he also had a really bad cold so the doctor ordered a chest x-ray as well. The x-ray showed something suspicious so he was sent to the hospital for another one. Again, same result. CAT scan and MRI later it was determined that Billy had a 95% blockage in both carotid arteries. He was scheduled for immediate bypass surgery. The right side was done in February 2008 then the left side in Early April 2008. Then just a few weeks later on April 16th they had to go into his leg and do a bypass to correct the circulation. He was determined to get home and surprised everyone leaving the next day April 17, 2008.

The next morning Billy woke early and began his normal routine of making coffee for him and Linda like every other morning for years. They were early risers. He waited until around 6:00 am to wake her and as he entered the room he realized she had passed away sometime in the night. The day before she was complaining about not feeling well and was not willing to go the hospital. She died of a massive heart attack at 58 years old. This was a devastating blow for Billy but he stated "I trusted God through this time and felt his comfort."

During 2008 Mr. Van Vlake continued to heal and the leg was working fine. He was working through the grief of losing his wife and best friend so suddenly. He decided with the encouragement of his family to seek an early retirement from The International Paper Company. He was eligible and planned on his last day being in March 2009.

The second day after he left for retirement the leg with the bypass began to feel strange and the toes and foot were unresponsive and turning blue. He knew he needed to get to the hospital immediately, there was a blood clot. When he arrived at the hospital they admitted him immediately and began trying other ways to bypass but could not do it. The decision was made to amputate the leg above the knee. Billy knew that God had already prepared him ahead of time for this. He was calm and at peace with whatever God's will was. He was given the opportunity to minister that peace to his children as they all stood worried. He said,

"The Lord has given me a great deal of faith, whether I am here or he takes me home it is all good." He was given the comfort and grace to release the leg and go on.

After the amputation he was taken to Waccamaw Medical Facility for Rehabilitation. It is there he met Alexander Lyons, C.P.O., clinician and owner of Lyons Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc. in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This would be a divine meeting of brothers. Alex would be building him a leg and helping him walk again. Billy says of Alex, "He is a fine man, God's man I knew almost instantly that we were connected." About the prosthetic work "Alex really listens and continues to work with me to find the perfect prosthesis, I like him very much."

Mr. Van Vlake has 3 children. During this time his children started coming around more, going to church with him. Hank one of his sons was asking a lot of questions about this Jesus and salvation. Over a three week period they talked and Billy prayed hard. Their pastor Chris met with Hank and led him to the Lord.

April 30, 2009 Billy had an appointment with Alex Lyons in Myrtle Beach. After his appointment he went then headed back to Georgetown like any other day except this would not be like any other day. At 8:30 that evening his son Hank was killed in a tragic auto accident at 32 years old leaving his wife, Lisa and two little girls, Hannah and Hailey.

On the Monday following the funeral Billy went to the cemetery to talk to Hank, to pray to seek God for understanding. Losing a child is perhaps the most profound pain a person can endure, losing a wife, a piece of your body and a child is, well, excruciating and difficult to understand. Sitting there in the cemetery he heard God say to his heart 'Linda wanted to see her mom and dad, her time was done so I brought her home, I have things left for you to do. I had to get your son into my house so I could touch his heart, that is why I allowed you to loose your leg and Linda so he could watch you be strengthened and allow me to carry you through it.' Billy was assured that he would see his son again that day. He had made a commitment to Christ and Billy was at peace.

Mr. Van Vlake walked away from that moment sad but at peace that God's will was done and will continue to be done in his life through these circumstances. He says "I would lose the other leg if it meant securing my children's salvation." Now that is love.

I wanted him to sum up what he would want the reader to know, he said "Trust God when there looks like there is no hope. I love my son and wife and none of us have long on this earth. I am here to serve him. I need to try to take as many people as I can with me to heaven. I am thankful that God has given me the faith he has given me. People ask how I have so much strength, if it were me I would be whining and crying. God has given me a peace that surpasses all understanding."

We parted with the simple phrase to each other "God is good - all the time."