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You just thought you had a bad day.
09:43 PM CDT on Saturday, October 24, 2009
By Kevin Reece / 11 News
HOUSTON -- All William Reed wants is a phone call from someone who can tell him where to find his legs.
It is a very serious request from a 58-year-old double amputee who lost his legs to Type 1 diabetes. Since 1995 he has successfully used artificial limbs. But as his muscles and skin change over time the specially-fitted prosthetics need to be updated and changed as well. The Prosthetic Center on Richmond Avenue was in the process of making those legs for him. But when Reed went to the medical office on Thursday he found that the lights were off, the door was locked, and a sign taped to the door said the business has been closed since October 6th.
“And I don’t know how to reach her,” he said of Rhonda Turner the owner of The Prosthetic Center. “The office is closed. Sorry.”
Neither the office number nor an “emergency” phone number stenciled on the office door are working. There are no forwarding numbers or message machines. Attempts by 11 News to reach the owner by phone and e-mail were not successful.
Reed says former employees tell him hundreds of patients like him are impacted by the sudden closure. The landlord, Cameron Management, confirms to 11 News that they changed the locks on suite #100 at the office building after the owner of The Prosthetic Center fell behind on rent. But sources also confirm the business took most of its inventory, including William Reed’s legs, out of the office before the locks were changed.
“So they have abandoned who knows how many patients midstream of needed prosthetics for anyone’s daily life,” said Reed.
Reed says his artificial limbs, paid mostly by insurance, cost a total of $25,000. He had already paid a deductible of $2,000 to The Prosthetic Center. He fears that money is gone too.
“Contact me,” he said asking to send a message to the business owner. “Get me the legs that I need to go forward with improving my life. (That) is all I can ask for.”
The website for The Prosthetic Center says the company has been in business since 1991 and is “recognized as a leader in Prosthetic, Orthotic and Post-Mastectomy Care.”
William Reed just wants them to answer his plea for help.
By Kevin Reece / 11 News
HOUSTON -- All William Reed wants is a phone call from someone who can tell him where to find his legs.
It is a very serious request from a 58-year-old double amputee who lost his legs to Type 1 diabetes. Since 1995 he has successfully used artificial limbs. But as his muscles and skin change over time the specially-fitted prosthetics need to be updated and changed as well. The Prosthetic Center on Richmond Avenue was in the process of making those legs for him. But when Reed went to the medical office on Thursday he found that the lights were off, the door was locked, and a sign taped to the door said the business has been closed since October 6th.
“And I don’t know how to reach her,” he said of Rhonda Turner the owner of The Prosthetic Center. “The office is closed. Sorry.”
Neither the office number nor an “emergency” phone number stenciled on the office door are working. There are no forwarding numbers or message machines. Attempts by 11 News to reach the owner by phone and e-mail were not successful.
Reed says former employees tell him hundreds of patients like him are impacted by the sudden closure. The landlord, Cameron Management, confirms to 11 News that they changed the locks on suite #100 at the office building after the owner of The Prosthetic Center fell behind on rent. But sources also confirm the business took most of its inventory, including William Reed’s legs, out of the office before the locks were changed.
“So they have abandoned who knows how many patients midstream of needed prosthetics for anyone’s daily life,” said Reed.
Reed says his artificial limbs, paid mostly by insurance, cost a total of $25,000. He had already paid a deductible of $2,000 to The Prosthetic Center. He fears that money is gone too.
“Contact me,” he said asking to send a message to the business owner. “Get me the legs that I need to go forward with improving my life. (That) is all I can ask for.”
The website for The Prosthetic Center says the company has been in business since 1991 and is “recognized as a leader in Prosthetic, Orthotic and Post-Mastectomy Care.”
William Reed just wants them to answer his plea for help.
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