releases: https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/notable-nevadans?ContentRecord_id=08d5c391-d1a3-4a9f-a357-efd814a36cd3
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/notable-nevadans?ContentRecord_id=08d5c391-d1a3-4a9f-a357-efd814a36cd3 | RECOGNIZING HOWARD R. HUGHES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING | 2015-09-17 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Republican | House | NV | Dean Heller | H001041 | www.heller.senate.gov | legacy | RECOGNIZING HOWARD R. HUGHES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING HON. DEAN HELLER OF NEVADA IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE September 17, 2015 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I wish to recognize the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Hughes College of Engineering for its incredible work in creating the Flexy-Hand 2 for five-year-old Hailey Dawson. Hailey was born with Poland Syndrome, making it extremely difficult to grip smaller items. The Flexy-Hand 2, a 3D-printed prosthetic device created by the UNLV engineering department, provides Hailey with new technology that addresses this difficulty, giving her the ability to participate in her favorite sport baseball. Haileys mom, Yong Dawson, approached Brendan OToole, UNLVs chair of medical engineering, to ask if the department would be willing to create a prosthetic hand for her daughter. OToole was eager to take on the project, gathering students from UNLV and local high schools to help. The team has spent nearly two years working on the project and continues perfecting the device, including the addition of individual finger movement. Haileys current Flexy-Hand 2 is the fourth version from the university. The technology fits her palm, connecting the fingers to her wrist, ultimately giving her control of her hands grasping motion. Hailey has now had two unique opportunities to show off her prosthetic hand, both throwing out the first pitch at a UNLV baseball game in March and at a Baltimore Orioles game in August. Haileys mother contacted the Orioles in pursuit of making her childs dreams a reality, asking them for a meet-up. In response, the team invited Hailey and her family to a game and allowed Hailey to throw the opening pitch. Before hitting the field, Hailey had the opportunity to meet Manny Machado and have her hand autographed. I would like to congratulate Hailey on her participation in these unforgettable experiences and on an excellent first pitch. She is truly a shining example of positivity within the Las Vegas community. I would also like to recognize UNLVs Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering and Brendan OToole for their hard work and dedication to improving the lives of others. This is an inspiring story and should stand as an example to the Nevada family. The team continues its work not only by fine tuning the Flexy-Hand 2, but also by connecting with other universities to raise awareness about the technology. I ask my colleagues to join me and all Nevadans in congratulating this incredible engineering department for its selfless work in helping a fellow Nevadan. I wish both the University and Hailey luck in all of their future endeavors. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |