When Phoenix King was born four months ago, her parents Jeremy and Chelsie faced a difficult path. Jeremy underwent brain surgery three years ago to remove a brain tumor, said Chelsie, who left him with what he described as “some physical challenges and physical disabilities.”
One big question: How could Jeremy take Phoenix for a safe walk?
Chelsie, a teacher at Bullis School, a private school in Potomac, Maryland, contacted the head of the school’s technology lab, Matt Zigler. He then presented the challenge to his students, including Jacob Zlotnitsky and Ibenka Espinoza, who hope to study astrophysics at university.
The students designed a life-changing invention for Jeremy, who can now enjoy the simple pleasure of walking with his family.
The prototypes of the WheeStroll, as they call it, were made with a 3D printer. Students designed custom brackets and shaped aluminum tubes to secure the wheelchair and stroller together.
Mark Riffee / Bullis School
“I think they threw a bunch of concrete blocks in it and actually tried it a couple of times at school, which I think the kids were very interested in,” Chelsie said of the design.
Her design has won two international design awards, and for Jeremy, it is a gift from God. “I never thought I would be able to do such a thing safely,” he said. “I feel wonderful. I feel ecstatic.”
Zlotnitsky said “seeing the smiles on their faces” was the best part of achieving successful design.
“The relief that, uh, worked,” Espinoza added.
Chelsie King
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