The sound of a violin playing fills the air, but it’s not just any student performing. This is Ryan Coleman, a senior at UNCW, who until recently struggled to play because of his missing fingers. That was, until the Helping Hand Project at UNCW stepped in. With a prosthetic designed specifically to aid in his musical pursuits, Coleman is now able to once again play with ease, showcasing how innovative student-driven solutions can change lives.
Established in 2023 by Jordan McLeod ’25, the Helping Hand Project (HHP) at UNCW is part of a growing statewide network dedicated to providing free, 3D-printed prosthetics to people with limb differences. UNCW HHP is one of several chapters making a real difference by offering low-cost, recreational prosthetic devices to local patients. These prosthetics are designed and customized using affordable, alternative materials like plastic, fishing line and hair bands. With prosthetics often costing thousands of dollars, HHP fills a critical gap by offering affordable alternatives to families in need.
Although the UNCW chapter is still in its early stages – having been around for just three years – it’s already had a powerful impact on both the campus and the surrounding community. “Our mission is to aid the limb-difference community by providing affordable, accessible prosthetics,” said current president, Lillian Swan. “A lot of times, kids grow out of their prosthetics within six to eight months, but families can’t afford to replace them each time. That’s where we come in.”
Swan says it was the project’s potential to make a real impact that initially drew her in. “I first saw the organization at the Involvement Carnival,” Swan recalls. “It looked really interesting, combining engineering and medical science. I’m a pre-med student, so I wasn’t an engineer, but it seemed like a cool way to help people.”
Shortly after Swan joined the organization’s GroupMe and attended a meeting, she was hooked. “It was really welcoming, and everyone was just fun to hang out with,” she said. “We started with a design challenge, where we worked on a mock prosthetic case. It tapped into a creative side, and I just really liked it.”
But it was one of the chapter’s first real projects that truly motivated Swan. “We helped a UNCW student who had a limb difference and wanted to play the violin. I thought, ‘Wow, we’re actually doing something real. This is affecting someone’s life,’” she shared. “It was amazing to be part of a project that could make such a difference.”
HHP’s efforts go beyond prosthetics. The club also aims to raise awareness, change perceptions and show the broader community that there’s so much more we can do for people with limb differences. One standout event for the chapter was partnering with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at Trask Middle School, where they taught students about limb differences and sparked interest in engineering careers. “It was amazing to see how engaged the kids were, especially a girl with a disability of her own. It really hit home how important it is to show them that they’re not alone and that they can do anything,” says Swan.
For Lindsey Ehrenfried, the chapter’s secretary, it was the club’s message and sense of community that drew her in. “Helping people with limb differences is such a noble cause, and I wanted to get involved in prosthetics,” says Ehrenfried. “It was the perfect way to give back while learning something new.”
One of her favorite experiences so far has been the recognition the chapter received at the SOLAR Awards at UNCW, an event celebrating the achievements of student organizations, their members and faculty advisors for their work in both the UNCW and Wilmington communities. The Helping Hand Project was nominated for four SOLAR Awards, including Gold Student Organization of the Year. “It was so fun and a great way to celebrate everything that we had done,” said Ehrenfried.
While HHP’s impact is already being felt, both Swan and Ehrenfried acknowledge there’s still work to do. Recruitment, funding and awareness are ongoing challenges. “We’ve had a good turnout, with about 10 members attending regularly, but we’re always looking for more, especially engineering students, who can bring valuable skills to the table,” said Swan.
Swan also shared that one of the challenges has been teaching students how to use 3D printing and design software. “We’re teaching ourselves how to 3D print, how to design on Tinkercad and how to assemble prosthetics. It’s been a learning process,” she says. “We’ve also brought in an engineer to help teach us more about 3D printing, and we’re really leaning on other chapters for support.”
The chapter has received support from resources on campus as well. “The MakerStudio has been a huge help. They store our printers and materials, and they know a lot about 3D printing. Even though they don’t do prosthetics, they’ve been an amazing resource whenever we have questions,” says Swan.
Looking ahead, Swan has big plans. “We’re currently working on a new prosthetic case, and we hope to have the prototype ready by the end of the [Fall ’25] semester,” she says. “But beyond that, we want to continue building relationships with the Wilmington community and engage more students in this amazing cause.”
For any students interested in making a tangible impact, joining the Helping Hand Project is as easy as just showing up. The club meets every other Thursday, and all are welcome to contribute in whatever way they can. “Whether you’re interested in engineering, design or just want to help out, you can make a difference,” Swan says. HHP is open to anyone, regardless of major or expertise. “You don’t have to be an engineering student to help out. You can be an artsy person who helps with the design, or someone interested in learning 3D printing. It’s about enthusiasm and willingness to learn.”
As the chapter continues to grow, there’s no telling just how far their helping hands will reach. With a focus on inclusivity, collaboration and hands-on problem solving, the UNCW helping Hand Project is building a stronger, more connected community – one prosthetic at a time.
For more information, follow the UNCW Helping Hand Project on Instagram or visit their page on WaveLink. You can also find HHP at the Spring 2026 Involvement Carnival.
