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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
David Aguilar

REVEALED: Experience i make prosthetic arms with lego | Vintage Vibes

David Aguilar with one of his Lego arms
David Aguilar with one of his Lego arms. ‘People shouldn’t have to pay €100,000 for a prosthetic.’ Photograph: Paola de Grenet/The Guardian

I was born with Poland syndrome, a disease that prevented the formation of my right arm and pectoral muscles. I was bullied at school. People said things like, “It’s not your fault that you were born like this, it’s your mother’s fault.” Or asked me to catch a ball with my right hand. Stupid comments that wouldn’t affect me now, but back then they struck very hard.

I would play with Lego a lot as a child. I got my first kit when I was five. My parents realised it was a great way to improve my dexterity. I just kept going, building planes and cars. I even built a guitar.

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