Five-year-old Isabella loves Care Bears. A lot. So, when Mechanical Engineer Bethany Casarez and Industrial Designer Ava DeCapri at FATHOM were designing her a custom 3D printed hand, there was no doubt it would be all things related—pink, personalized, and adorned with her favorite characters.

Born with an underdeveloped hand and shortened forearm, daily activities that may come easy to most are not as easy for Isabella. Worried about the soon-to-be kindergartener’s first day of school, Isabella’s mother Cristina was determined to build up her daughter’s confidence. Through an online community for 3D printing enthusiasts focused on making 3D printed hands for children at no cost to their families, Isabella was matched up with an advanced manufacturing company to expand her capabilities.

“Children are very self-conscious about being different than their peers,” said Michelle Mihevc, FATHOM Principal and mother of three daughters close in age to Isabella. “The 3D printed prosthetics don’t just give them mobility. They’re also cool and something they can be proud to show off. I think this is the best part about it.”

Check out the video and see how the prospect of elementary school isn’t as scary as it once seemed—for both Isabella and her mother. Hear from the engineering and designer, including a man with the same physical condition as Isabella who experienced bullying as a child and the co-founder of the foundation helping children all over the world who need prosthetics.

Team at American Greetings touched by Isabella’s story with FATHOM, sent surprise care bear package for Isabella to open with her new 3D printed hand

After spending time with engineer and designer, Isabella began to show a strong interest in her new hand

Isabella using her 3D printed hand for the first time

Teaming up to boost Isabella’s confidence for the first day of kindergarten

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