Youth award finalist

A Greenhithe resident is a finalist in the Youth section of the 2014 Attitude Awards.

Jess Quinn, 21, knows first-hand that prosthetics are designed for function not fashion.

The AUT fashion design student is passionate about changing this and is using her talents to make stylish prosthetic leg covers.

At 9 she broke her leg in a soccer accident. When the break failed to heal further tests revealed cancer.

She underwent chemo- therapy followed by a radical surgery called rotationplasty – where the thigh and knee joint are removed, the lower leg transported to hip level and rotated 180 degrees in order to make the foot function as the knee joint. Ever since she has required a prosthetic leg.

Quinn says people should have access to prosthetics that are not only functional medical devices but also fashion accessories.

‘‘It’s about giving people the opportunity to express their identity and having a bit more control of their body.’’

Quinn is completing her honours year towards her bachelor of art and design at AUT University where she is designing and making a series of interchangeable prosthetic leg covers.

‘‘I’m one of those people who gets an idea in my head and I have to go for it. After everything I’ve been through, I realise how short life is.’’

There are eight Attitude Awards categories: Sport Performer of the Year, Courage Sport, Artistic Achievement, Youth, Spirit of Attitude, the Attitude ACC Employer Award, Making a Difference award and the inaugural Attitude Junior Award. The national awards celebrate achievement in the disability sector. Their aim is to draw attention to the 17 per cent of New Zealand’s population who live with disability.

Award winners will be announced on December 3.