About the IML's Programs

The programs outlined are operationalized at BioMotion's Orthopaedic Research Lab (B-ORL) at Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Staffed by talented scientists, engineers and physicians, the B-ORL has programs unique to Florida and in some cases unique the world over. Lead by Research Director, Dr. Melinda K. Harman, non profit activities are approached with a combination of compassion and science.

“Whether you're a child that has a neuromuscular disease or an athlete that is looking to improve performance or an older person who is experiencing changes with aging, we want to be able to measure those changes and help therapists and surgeons correct those problems so the patient has mobility for their lifetime.”

 — Melinda K. Harman, PHD, Research Director

The Institute for Mobility and Longevity supports various programs including the Orthopaedic Research Lab, The Orthopaedic Discovery Team, Pediatric Gait Analysis and The Samaritan Fund. By analyzing human function and motion, researchers are able to provide information to clinicians and surgeons who can then uncover the real problem and provide optimal treatment for patients.

Orthopaedic Discovery Team - Become a member!

To be a part of this exciting Orthopaedic Discovery Team effort, you only need to pledge $1,000 minimum per year over a five year period. Your pledges to the ‘Orthopaedic Discovery Team’ are solely dedicated to research.

Over the past 19 years, our discoveries have included knee replacements like the 3D Knee TM, shoulder replacements that enhance strength and range of motion, hip replacements that help prevent dislocation, and unique evaluations of how these devices ultimately function in patients.

The inspiration for the Orthopaedic Discovery Team comes from the revolutionary design of the 3D Knee TM, designed and patented by Dr. W. Andrew Hodge.

The concept was developed locally thru the ’scientific discovery’ of applied basic research occurring at the non profit Orthopaedic Research Laboratory. Members will be invited to exclusive demonstrations of our research efforts, apprized of all new advances, (including ‘live’ surgery’ telecast/observations), private receptions and honored in our publications.

(The Institute for Mobility and Longevity is a 501 (c) (3) organization.)

The Samaritan Fund was established to respond quickly to individuals who need orthopaedic surgery and/or therapy, but do not have the financial means to access treatment.

Founded by Palm Beach County residents Jane and Peter Elebash in 2004, the program is entirely funded through private gifts and donations. The BioMotion’s Orthopaedic Research Lab offers this program free of charge utilizing the most innovative healthcare technologies available.

“This makes an immediate and remarkable difference in people’s lives by restoring their mobility and  thereby lives as they once were.” Says W. Andrew Hodge, M.D., Founder of the BioMotion’s non-profit Institute for Mobility and Longevity.

Samaritan Fund Candidate — 2007-2008

William “Billy” Hartig is a 49-year-old Palm Beach native with a deep love of life and big plans for the future. His plans and his productivity have been severely impeded due to a complex knee condition that requires surgical intervention. The healthcare that will restore him is being offered free of charge by the surgical team at Hodge BioMotion Orthopaedics via the philanthropic charter of The Institute for Mobility and Longevity.

In order to restore Billy Hartig to a life where his dreams are possible, we, thru the Institute's Samaritan Fund, seek your help underwriting his medically necessary orthopaedic surgery.

As Billy says, “The first day after my surgery will be the first day of the rest of my life!”

We at the Institute for Mobility & Longevity are here to ensure that Billy's first day is a glorious one indeed and we need your help...

About Billy:
The middle child of a family of 8 children, Billy was born at Good Samaritan Hospital in 1958. Early in life Billy demonstrated a natural proclivity for sports and grew up enjoying baseball, football and eventually the sport that would most capture his imagination, the great game of golf!

“Golf most captivated me because it teaches life rules, and how to apply them, and how, if you do not apply them, that there is a price to pay.”

After spending many years working on great courses like the North Palm Beach Country Club, Frenchman's Creek and Dolphin's Landing, Billy turned to his next love, culinary arts. For over a decade he traveled the state crafting culinary events, often orchestrating up to 4 weddings per evening, several days per week, and he loved it!

“Food service hospitality is in itself a very physical profession, requiring long hours, stamina and creativity all at once, but when you add to that the travel and the daunting task of preparing meals for upwards of 400 guests at a time, sometimes up to 5 times per day it can really tax the human body,” Billy says.

Billy's pain and worsening condition is largely due to years of rigorous athletics combined with the physical stress of his culinary profession and long days on his feet. Due to the need to ice his knees and rest up to work the next day, Billy was forced to decrease his hours at work which left him underinsured and vulnerable in many ways. “My social life, my spiritual life, everything just got worse. It's been a hard time. I feel like I am living a half life.“

Then there is the feeling of not being able to support himself.

“I am from a very hardworking and self reliant family, we do not seek charity, we give charity to others, we seek to do things for ourselves. That is the life I look forward to after my surgery. One of self reliance and hard work. I want to prove to everyone that helps me with this that they made a good decision.”

Billy's plans after his surgery include opening his own restaurant, hopefully in Palm Beach. “I'll have a full time career, full time enjoyment and full time to worship. THAT, is my plan. Plus I'll take up sailing again!”

Funding of $50,000 per recipient per year is necessary to maintain the services provided by The Samaritan Fund. With this much needed community support the Institute for Mobility and Longevity hopes to increase the availability of this life changing program to at least 2 recipients yearly. To donate or for more information please contact us at (561) 650-6104.

In the Name of A Child is a unique-giving program which supports children and families via Pediatric Gait Analysis (PGA). Authored by Foundation Advisor and philanthropist, Barbara R. Katz, it supports an exclusive program that benefits children with cerebral palsy. This unique program allows donors to sponsor pediatric patients who are under insured and may lack access to the scientific solutions and tools designed by the world class researchers at the Institute for Mobility and Longevity.

“Less than 100 facilities nationwide offer this type of technology to children suffering from complex neuromuscular disorders,” says Ms. Katz.

“Through the PGA, information is gathered and utilized by orthopaedic surgeons so that more informed treatment can be enacted. Treatment that is often more definitive and exacting. Thanks to this program, surgeons can choose procedures with much greater confidence of success and the burdens of these already challenged children can be eased.”

To learn more about Ms. Katz unique giving program and the Pediatric Gait Analysis and how it impacts children and families please call 561.650.6104.

White Coat Society - The Institute’s “White Coat Society” was established to distinguish major donors who make the research and therefore the treatment solutions possible.

Current Members Include:

  Helen Persson
  Mayor Lois J. Frankel
  Alex Dreyfoos, Jr.
  Harry Gray
  Simon C. Fireman
  Amin Khoury
  Julie Khoury
  George Michel

Members are recognized for their significant contributions and honored with “BioMotion Honorary Engineer” status.

“With their continued support, our global community will greatly benefit from the advanced orthopaedic technologies achieved by our researchers,” stated Dr. Hodge. “Together we will build a world where mobility and longevity are truly achievable for all.”

The IML Student Scholarship Program provides the resources to expose local and international students and fellows to cutting edge, biomedical technology. This is a true gift of learning that results in community benefit and helps continue the Institute for Mobility and Longevity's educational collaboration locally and worldwide. This program has been home to over 100 students worldwide and is facilitated at Orthopaedic Research Lab at Good Samaritan Medical Center.

In Kind Donations such as products or services that support IML's mission are deeply appreciated.

Auction Items such as merchandise, services, memorabilia and gift certificates that can be raffled off at fundraising events are encouraged and gratefully accepted.

Volunteer by becoming involved in healthcare functions, help us to prepare for scientific symposiums, plan events and spread the news of our work to the community.

We would be very pleased to speak with you about supporting IML's efforts.

Please call the Foundation at 561.650.6104.