MY STORY

Hello, My name is David Heimer. I am 35 years old and live in Zurich, Switzerland.

A few years ago, I survived a severe electrical burn accident caused by a parachuting collision with a high-voltage power line. As a result, I lost all ten of my fingers. Since then, my everyday life has changed in ways that are difficult to imagine for someone who has never experienced such an injury. In addition to extensive burn scars across my face and much of my body, I face many challenges that are invisible to others. Things most people never even think about-simple, automatic everyday tasks have become constant challenges.

​

EVERYDAY LIFE, REDESIGNED

Opening a kitchen drawer, getting dressed, tying my shoes, or preparing a meal all require completely new solutions, different ways of thinking, and often physical adaptations. Even something as basic as opening a kitchen cabinet had to be redesigned. Thanks to a push-to-open system, I can now use my kitchen independently. My insurance partially covered an automatic door opener for my apartment, but I had to pay myself for similar solutions for my mailbox and basement storage, as these were not considered necessary. To put on my shoes independently, I need specially adapted lacing systems. Many of my clothes have to be altered by a tailor to replace buttons with more practical solutions. The sleeves of my jackets also need to be widened because my prosthetic arms are significantly larger than natural hands. Cooking requires individually adapted handles for my kitchen utensils, and I have even had custom-made holders built so I can grip cutlery. I have had to purchase all of these materials myself, and over time the costs have become substantial.

 

LIVING WITH PROSTHESES

Unfortunately, these types of adaptations are often not covered by my insurance. Their position is that the initial provision of prosthetic hands should be sufficient. My current prostheses are advanced myoelectric prostheses weighing approximately 600 grams and 1 kilogram each. Putting them on takes around 20 minutes every time. Whenever I develop wounds on my residual limbs which unfortunately happens regularly. I cannot wear them at all. Like any complex technology, they also experience technical failures and connection problems from time to time. For rehabilitation and strength training, I require special attachments simply to grip fitness equipment. My current myoelectric prostheses can only safely hold around 5 kilograms before they automatically release their grip or risk being damaged. A much better solution would be a second pair of mechanically operated prosthetic hands, the Point Digit prostheses. These would allow me to perform many rehabilitation exercises that are currently impossible. Through this crowdfunding campaign, I hope to finance these prostheses myself, as they cost approximately CHF 65,000.

 

RETURNING TO SPORT

Sports have always played an important role in my life. Before my accident, I regularly played tennis, enjoyed winter sports, and stayed physically active. Today, participating in these activities requires individually designed adaptive equipment. Unfortunately, my insurance refuses to cover these costs because they are not considered essential for survival. They only provide basic prosthetic care, which is insufficient for activities such as tennis or many rehabilitation exercises. Specialized prosthetic adaptations for sports are currently being developed for me at the Rehabilitation Clinic Bellikon, but I must finance them myself. These adaptations alone cost approximately CHF 4,500. Sports and recreational assistive devices are generally not covered by insurance.

 

THE REALITY

Each of these adaptations may seem small when viewed individually. In reality, however, they add up to an enormous physical, emotional, and financial burden. Because I am currently unable to work and remain on full medical leave due to several upcoming reconstructive surgeries, covering these costs has become extremely difficult. As long as these everyday challenges remain unresolved, it is incredibly difficult to focus on rebuilding my future, returning to work, and living independently again. A large part of my daily life is spent designing my own adaptive solutions, searching for practical ways to regain independence, and constantly justifying my needs to insurance companies through endless assessments and reviews. Much of my time is consumed by applying for support, finding solutions, and completing everyday tasks that take far longer than they would for most people. Over the past few years, I have invested heavily in adaptations for my home, my daily life, and activities that help me stay physically active and mentally healthy. Some of these costs are partially covered, but many are not. Although there are charitable foundations and support programs, the application process is often long, complicated, and uncertain. It can take months or even years, and many applications are ultimately rejected because these needs are not considered "essential."

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Today, I am asking for your help. Your support would allow me to live more independently, move freely, participate fully in everyday life, and regain purpose, health, and joy through my hobbies, rehabilitation, and daily routines. To finance these essential adaptations, I am raising CHF 100,000. Not for something extraordinary - but simply for the opportunity to live as normal and independent a life as possible. Every contribution, no matter the amount, means more to me than I can express. My greatest wish is to regain an autonomous life despite my physical limitations, which I continue to face and accept every single day. I do not want to depend on home care services forever. My goal is to return to work, rebuild my career, and once again enjoy life to its fullest. Even sharing this campaign with others makes a tremendous difference.Thank you very much for taking the time to read my story. And thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.

​​

​

Yours sincerely,
David Heimer

​​​​​​​

​

​

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE

There are three ways to give, and I want to make it as simple as possible for you.

If you are in Switzerland, the easiest way is to donate directly to my Swiss bank account using the QR code below. If you are in Sweden, you can use Swish. Both of these options allow your full contribution to reach me without any unnecessary transaction fees or currency charges along the way. For everyone else, or if you prefer, the crowdfunding page is always open, and every contribution through it is just as deeply appreciated. Whichever way you choose, please know that your generosity means more to me than I can put into words.