I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge Shahr Lopatin for his outstanding service to our veterans.

   Shahr has been your firm’s representative at our Amputee Clinic. His attendance has been excellent and his involvement and participation have been instrumental in both helping our patients achieve the utmost independence and mobility as well as contributing to the learning experience of our student physicians and house staff.

   Shahr’s patience is monumental as he painstakingly articulates sound reasoning as to the choice of componentry. He is an excellent listener who is able to respond to argumentative patients and staff in a positive, reassuring manner.

   Thanks so much for sharing him with us.

Regards,

Robert E. Case*
Acting Associate Medical Center Director
Department of Veteran Affairs — Long Beach Medical Center - Retired

*Bob Case is currently single-handedly circumnavigating the globe in a sailboat.
Click here to link to his web site.

 


After the amputation of my right foot, my doctor referred me to you to obtain my prosthetic foot. I had previously visited Sunny Hills for a diabetic healing shoe to aid in the healing of the ulceration that ultimately claimed my foot. During the first visit, I was impressed with the knowledge of the staff and friendly atmosphere of the office. I visited your web page on the Internet and found it to be both informative and comforting to read the stories of other amputees who overcame tremendous obstacles to continue to make their lives rewarding and fulfilled with the help of Sunny Hills. I knew then that I wanted to become one of your success stories. Indeed, I believe I have.

I am pleased and elated that my health coverage entitles me to avail myself of your kind and professional services. You have all touched my life and I am forever grateful.

Warmest personal regards,
Harold W. Potter


You and your crew changed my life forever. It's hard to describe in words how appreciative and thankful I am in all that you have done for me. The device makes all the difference in my feeling comfortable in public.

I also wanted to thank you specifically for encouraging me to pursue the payment issue. I was about to give up, but your words, letters and support pushed me to fight through the run around. It finally paid off and I received insurance authorization for your services.

I was laughing, crying, yelling, dancing, feeling every emotion possible. I was so ecstatic. Hopefully this one device will hold up for many years, but eventually I will have to track you down to make me another one.

Take care,
Brande Howard


I have just realized that is it really wonderful to walk again. May 16, 2000 marked the fifth anniversary of my leg's amputation. I remember being apprehensive yet eager to finally get fitted for a prosthesis. You were so patient as you educated and introduced me to the foreign world of prostheses. I have to admit I was definitely not weaning myself away from wheelchair dependency. In fact, it is probable I would have remained 99% wheelchair bound if I had not received a wonderful gift: the amazing technical "sheath/screw combination" prosthesis I have been blessed with for almost two years. My mobility has been restored and the effect this has had on my life is immeasurable. This invention, coupled with the skilled hands of Bob Laver, has created a dramatic change in my ability to walk.

I rightfully attribute this success to Bob's incredible talent, professionalism and compassion. He continues to amaze me by knowing so much about the physical ramifications I confront. I learn from him and he seems to be tirelessly available for my questions. When the prosthesis needs adjusting he somehow finds a way to squeeze me into his already overloaded calendar. Bob is totally committed in doing whatever he can to enhance the quality of my mobility.

Randy, you have brilliantly amassed a great crew of people who make Sunny Hills Orthopedic Services so extraordinary. You and the entire staff (the office support group, workshop experts and prosthetists) are such a dynamic team. All of you help us overcome what appear to be insurmountable circumstances and excel beyond preconceived limitations. I sincerely appreciate and thank you for all the years of unyielding support.

Very Truly Yours,
Elaine Little


I am writing to let you know that the prosthetic services provided by Sunny Hills has been exceptional. They have made me feel very comfortable and a part of their office and family. Over the years I have used a number of prosthetic vendors and I can tell you without doubt this is the most professional of them all.

Sincerely,
Curtis Baker


I just wanted to send you a "BIG" thank you! Ever since I have been wearing my new orthoses it has been so awesome! I can distribute my weight throughout by foot now and it has been getting so much exercise. I wasn't able to do that before. Not even bare-footed. You made the orthoses just right! Just the right size and angle to help my foot and ankle! These orthoses feel GREAT!

Sincerely,
Kelly A. New


In February of 1997 I visited your offices for the first time. I have been wearing a brace for more than 20 years (I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), and in that time I had become accustomed to the concept of tolerating a significant amount of pain both walking and standing. Your orthotists. Richard Ackerman and Robert Laver taught me otherwise. After wearing my new brace for several months, I am still ecstatic. I can now walk significant distances (about 2 miles) without difficulty.

I attribute the difference to a knowledgeable evaluation of my needs, intelligent design and quality of construction. These aspects are often seemingly overlooked in the effort to cut costs. Fortunately for me, Rich and Bob took the time to do the job right.

Had I known the difference a competent shop would make, and more importantly, the fact that your shop does such quality work, I would have become your patient much earlier.

Quality does not come cheap, but the alternative is a reduction in quality of life. That is a bad bargain. My only regret is not finding you sooner!

To Bob and Rich, my heartfelt thanks. I really appreciate all you have done for me.

Sincerely,
Michael G. Dolan


In 1978 I lost both of my legs in a truck accident. I was first fitted by a prosthetics company in Santa Ana. My legs utilized thigh laces and I was told that was the only way I could walk.

In 1986 I changed to another prosthetics company. They told me they could make me better legs. I stayed with them for two years.

Then, in 1988 I was introduced to Sunny Hills Orthopedic Services, who dramatically changed the way I walk! The artificial legs made for me by Sunny Hills allowed me more freedom than I ever dreamed possible. My new legs were light weight with rotating, swivel feet and ankles.

Not only did these new legs help me walk extremely well, they also allowed me to do things I’d never been able to do before, such as play golf, basketball, ski and dance.

I have now been fitted with new suction sockets. Needless to say, I am excited beyond belief. I will absolutely, positively not allow anyone else but Sunny Hills to manufacture, tamper with or fit my legs. So help me God! Thank you very much Bill Conklin and Shahr Lopatin.

Ronald C. Harding


 

This letter is to confirm my long and complete satisfaction in the very personal and professional service supplied by the staff at Sunny Hills Orthopedics.

I have never been disappointed in the cutting-edge knowledge and application skills of all of the Sunny Hills employees from the president to the janitor.

My prosthesis has been rebuilt year after year with superior products introduced and developed to my ultimate fit requirements. These people are informed and capable of servicing all my needs for maintenance and accessories.

I would be extremely disappointed if I was forced to change to another prosthetist.

In the past 28 years I have had several other orthopedic services, but none like Sunny Hills has afforded me.

As a Veteran I will always request that the VA keep Sunny Hills Orthopedic Services on contact to service all veterans in their charge.

Sincerely,
Larry Lamkins


I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your encouragement and efforts in helping me acquire my new prosthesis. The CAT-CAM and Endolite components are new to me. All the prosthetic legs I have had in the past have been wooden and exoskeletal and have had a quadrilateral socket design. Those legs were quite massive.

My most recent leg, prior to the one made by Sunny Hills, weighed 13 pounds and I have to admit really limited my mobility in terms of the ease with which I could move it and in terms of the energy it sapped from me after a day of wearing it. It seems that the greatest difference for me in changing to the CAT-CAM and Endolite system has been the weight difference. My new prosthesis weighs only 6 ½ pounds.

With my new prosthesis I have noticed increased flexibility, maneuverability and dexterity in all activities which require the use of my prosthesis. I have also noticed and am most appreciative of the decreased amount of effort I need to exert in performing my daily activities (especially walking) and the amount of energy I have left over at the end of the day.

Once again, I am truly grateful for you educating me on what is available and for your advice regarding which components and which combination of components can serve me best. I also appreciate your patience and diligence in constructing my prosthesis. I enjoy the increased quality of life that results from my new, lighter leg.

Jeffrey R. Derflinger
Rosemead School of Psychology


I just want to thank you for all your professional and dedicated service to me as an amputee.

I have received a lot of compliments that my prosthetic limb looks very realistic in that the covering you used looks very lifelike. Hope all is well over your way in Orange County. Take care everyone and God bless you. Thank you for the great job on the hydraulic-knee FlexFoot prosthesis.

Sincerely,
Joe Cameron


We received the following letter from Claire Beekman, an Instructor at Chapman University, and I thought you would like to read it. Thanks so much for all the care and expertise that you all put forth in your work.

Sincerely,

Deanna Shaw, Physical Therapist
St. Jude Medical Center

" . . . in my travels around the country teaching gait, I often see patients with questionable orthoses. It was great for me to see such nice ones (orthoses made by Sunny Hills Orthopedic Services). In addition, it was a good experience for my students to see really appropriate and well-made orthoses in the community . . . "

Claire Beekman, Instructor
Chapman University


It has been my pleasure to have your employee, Lou Harvey, fit me with an ankle brace for my “drop foot” problem.

He is a very sincere, knowledgeable orthotist. His dedication to his profession is outstanding.

I compliment you for having a person of Lou Harvey’s high caliber on your staff.

Very Sincerely,
F.W. Kittredge


I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to do the interview and work on my very flexible foot. As you know I have been interested in prosthetics, how they work and the new advances that are coming in the future, both as a user and as a possible career. As a result of our interview I have gained better insight into the people actually "making" a device. Thank you for allowing me to momentarily step into your shoes and have the opportunity to see from your point of view. Thank you for the insight.

On a personal note, I want to thank you for your professionalism, humor, friendship and help over the years. You have built the best leg I have had, except of course my "original equipment." Your leg has seen many hikes and many mowed lawns and many dog walks that would never have happened without it.

Sincerely,
Louis M. Malin

Copyright 2002 © Sunny Hills Orthopedic Services, Inc.
332 E. Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832