What began as a single Facebook message has grown into a life-changing mission for hundreds of amputees who once believed walking again was out of reach.

Four years after founding Limbs For Humanity, Phoenix prosthetists Randy West and David Banks have helped restore mobility, independence, and dignity to hundreds of individuals in Mexico and Arizona. Their nonprofit organization provides free prosthetic legs to those who cannot afford them, with a long-term vision of expanding services globally by building sustainable, locally operated prosthetic programs in underserved regions.

Both men work full-time at The Limb Center in Phoenix, where they fit prosthetics for patients who have lost limbs due to congenital conditions, accidents, or illness. But their humanitarian journey took a defining turn in 2022.

Banks recalls responding within the hour to a Facebook message from a volunteer at a medical clinic in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico. The message explained that it had been years since a prosthetist had visited, that the need was overwhelming, and that patients were constantly asking when help would come.

Just a few months later, West and Banks traveled to Mexico, expecting a one-time visit to assess the situation. Instead, they were met with a line of amputees that never seemed to end.

“People just kept arriving,” Banks said. “We unpacked everything we brought, worked nonstop, and kept making casts. And even then, we barely made a dent.”

That first trip was exhausting, humbling, and deeply moving. What they received in return – gratitude, hope, and renewed purpose – changed the trajectory of their work forever.

The experience led to the formal creation of Limbs For Humanity, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing prosthetic care to those without financial access. Since then, West and Banks have returned to Mexico every few months, steadily expanding their reach and impact.

Today, men, women, and children travel to the clinic from communities including Puerto Peñasco, Sonoyta, San Luis Río Colorado, Hermosillo, and Bahía Kino. Patients range in age from as young as three to over eighty years old. For each of them, a prosthetic leg represents far more than mobility – it offers freedom, dignity, independence, and often the possibility of returning to work or caring for their families.

On January 30 & 31, 2026, Limbs For Humanity held its largest event to date. Over 15 volunteers were able to fit 36 people with 38 legs. It was a special weekend.

“When someone stands and takes their first steps,” West said, “you see their entire world change.”

Limbs For Humanity’s work has grown through the dedication of volunteers from both sides of the border. Additional prosthetists now travel with the team so more patients can be fitted, while physical therapists assist with gait training and first steps. Volunteers help with setup and teardown, patient flow, translation, and technical adjustments – each playing a vital role in the clinic’s success.

In Arizona, supporters contribute by fundraising, donating used prosthetic components that can be refurbished, and helping offset the high cost of prosthetic parts. A single prosthetic leg – made up of a socket, knee, pylon, and foot – can cost thousands of dollars. Donations allow Limbs For Humanity to continue delivering care at no cost to patients.

The story behind the organization is also deeply personal.

West and Banks first met more than 25 years ago, when Banks – an above-knee amputee – was fitted with his first prosthesis by West. Over time, a professional relationship grew into a lasting friendship, built on trust, resilience, and a shared desire to help others navigate life after limb loss.

Years before founding Limbs For Humanity, the two often worked pro bono for uninsured patients, quietly covering costs themselves. The Mexico clinics revealed just how vast the need truly was – and how much more could be done.

Looking ahead, the future of Limbs For Humanity is filled with promise.

Future Clinic & Community Impact

Limbs For Humanity is partnering with Centro Comunitario Palabras de Esperanza, which has offered space on its property for the construction of a dedicated prosthetic clinic building. The goal is to create a permanent presence in the community – one that provides year-round care, education, and long-term sustainability.

Construction support and resources have been pledged through generous donors, with strong involvement from the local Rotary Club, whose members are committed to providing essential equipment, tools, and community education support. Groundbreaking is anticipated in early 2026, with completion targeted for later that year.

“This isn’t just about us flying in and out,” Banks said. “It’s about building something lasting – training local providers and creating a system that continues to serve the community long after we leave.”

The mission of Limbs For Humanity is simple but profound: to ensure that no amputee is denied the ability to walk because of financial hardship. Through compassion, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, West and Banks are proving that one message, one trip, and one act of service can change countless lives.

To learn more or support the mission, visit www.limbsforhumanity.org.