Hoover teen helps provide medical aid to Ukraine using 3D printer
A year ago, David Mazur saw the catastrophic effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine from his Hoover home and wanted to do something about it.
The Hoover High School senior began an effort which now involves more than 100 volunteers on three continents to provide medical supplies through the use of 3D printers.
Mazur, who is of Ukrainian descent, is the founder of Adapt3D, which is partnering with other non-profits in other parts of the world to aid the victims of the Ukraine War.
The premise is simple: Mazur uses a 3-D printer to make palm, wrist and finger braces for those injured in the war.
“The truth of the matter is, most 3D printers are idle at any given moment,” Mazur said.
The printers use opensource templates downloaded from the Internet to make the braces, which are printed flat in plastic and shipped to Ukraine.
Then, using boiling water, the braces and splints are custom molded to each patient’s needs. Adapt3D has made approximately 1,000 – Mazur estimates he personally has made about 200.
Mazur said he was inspired by people who volunteered to make masks and face shields during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adapt3D is now working with e-Nable, another volunteer group making free and low-cost prosthetic upper limb devices for children and adults.
Mazur said this month’s one-year mark since the invasion began has only reminded him of how important it was to get involved.
“I’ve wanted the war to end,” he said. “When the anniversary came around, it’s reminded me why I started this. I want to keep making an impact and help the innocent Ukrainians who didn’t want this war.”