April 27, 2020
LOS ANGELES – April 27, 2020 – Last night, nine-year-old Tessa Puma, from Northfield, Ohio, danced her way into viewers’ hearts on NBC’s Little Big Shots, a show spotlighting children with special talents, hosted by actress Melissa McCarthy. Tessa has loved dance—especially hip-hop—from a young age, but just a few years ago her dance career seemed like it might be on hold forever.
In March 2017, Tessa developed a rare strep throat infection that turned into necrotizing fasciitis, and she was only given a 20 percent chance to live. Tessa beat the odds and made a full recovery, but the infection resulted in the loss of her left leg above-the-knee.
Fortunately, thanks to a lot of hard work, dedication, and custom-fit prosthetic devices and care from her Akron, Ohio-based Hanger Clinic prosthetist Nicholas Sellas, MSPO, CPO, Tessa returned to the dance stage stronger than ever. She’s performed in competitions around the country, regularly winning trophies, and even traveled to Las Vegas in 2019 to dance in the Opening Ceremony at Hanger LIVE, Hanger’s national event formerly known as the Education Fair.
As she shared on Little Big Shots, Tessa doesn’t let anything get in the way of her dreams. Watch the full episode here: https://www.nbc.com/little-big-shots/video/strong-is-the-new-pretty/4152475.
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| Tessa Puma with her parents, Matt and Tina Puma. |
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| Tessa performs during Hanger LIVE 2019, formerly known as the Hanger Education Fair. |
About Hanger Clinic – Hanger Clinic provides comprehensive, outcomes-based orthotic and prosthetic solutions at more than 925 patient care locations nationwide, and is part of the Hanger, Inc. ecosystem of diversified companies. Rooted in clinical research, excellence and innovation, its 1,700 board-certified clinicians provide customized solutions for all ages designed to increase the mobility and function of each person they have the honor of serving. For more information on Hanger Clinic, visit HangerClinic.com.
Contact:
Annie Myers
External Relations Manager
(210) 440-7380 or [email protected]