The Lucky Fin Project

At Active Hands we are pleased to be able to support people with a wide range of disabilities through our products. We also signpost to support groups, charities and organisations who are experts in their field. One non-profit organisation we love to work alongside is The Lucky Fin Project. Through their social media channels, we are aware of the great work and support they offer individuals with Limb Difference and their families. The interest goes both ways and we have chatted with them many times about how our products support many of the people they work with.  

We thought it was about time we chatted ‘on the record’ with Molly about her work as the founder and CEO of the Lucky Fin Project. We wanted to find out a bit more about the work they do and how people can access their support.  

In this article, Molly explains the inspiration behind the Lukcy Fin Project – her daughter, Ryan – and how it has grown from its beginings in 2007. She also describes the important work she does in raising the profile of the project and addressing issues of representation and awareness in the wider world.  

Inspiration for the Lucky Fin Project

Ryan was born with a limb difference on her right hand. Facing a lack of information and resources, Molly felt isolated and vulnerable. Determined to prevent other families from experiencing similar challenges, she established the Lucky Fin Project in 2010. Since then, the organisation has grown into a global community, providing support and resources to families worldwide. Molly’s dedication to the limb difference community is evident through her various initiatives, including the creation of awareness bracelets. As of 2025, she had handcrafted and distributed over 25,000 bracelets to supporters around the world. These spread the message of acceptance and celebration of differences. 

Under Molly’s leadership, the Lucky Fin Project has gained national attention. In 2012, the Associated Press featured the organisation, highlighting its mission and impact. Lucky Fin Project has expanded its reach through social media platforms. It now boasts over 89,000 followers on Facebook and 106K on Instagram as of February 2025. The organisation has also collaborated with celebrities and advocates to promote representation and awareness of limb differences. 

Molly has been featured in Amplitude Magazine, a publication dedicated to amputee stories and resources. In a 2019 article, “Raising Amputees: Let the Kids Be Kids,” Stapelman discusses her journey as a parent of a child with a limb difference. She highlights the importance of fostering confidence and independence in children facing similar challenges. 

Advocating for better representation

Molly’s role also extends to advocating for better representation in the media. In 2020 Molly and daughter Ryan were featured on a prominent television station in the Detroit area, addressing the film The Witches, based on Roald Dahl’s book. The film sparked significant backlash due to the portrayal of its main antagonist, the Grand High Witch, played by Anne Hathaway. The controversy centered around the depiction of the witch’s physical appearance, particularly her hands, which were designed to have three long fingers. This visual choice led to criticism that the character’s appearance reinforced harmful stereotypes about people with limb differences.

Many viewers, especially individuals from the limb difference community, felt that the portrayal was offensive and insensitive. They pointed out that the depiction seemed to equate disability with villainy, perpetuating negative connotations. 

In response to the backlash, Anne Hathaway publicly apologized for her portrayal and expressed regret for any harm caused. She acknowledged that she had not fully understood how the character’s design could be hurtful. Hathaway also referenced the Lucky Fin Project in her apology, emphasising the need for more thoughtful representation in media. 

Podcast Appearance

Molly and her daughter Ryan have also shared their experiences on various platforms. They were guests on the “What Dewey Do?” podcast, discussing the challenges and triumphs associated with limb differences.  

The mother-daughter duo have been hosting the Lucky Fin Project Weekend gathering since 2016. The annual event serves as a platform for individuals and families affected by limb differences. Here, they can connect, share experiences, and build a supportive community. Attendees participate in various activities. These include networking opportunities, educational sessions, and social events designed to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment. In 2016 the event gathered 260 people from 18 states and Canada. In 2024 Lucky Fin Project Weekend hosted over 1200 attendees from 39 states, and 4 Canadian provinces. 

Moving thinking forward

Beyond media appearances, Molly’s work has been recognized in academic circles. A 2024 article in the Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online cited the Lucky Fin Project as a vital support network for parents of children with congenital hand differences. 

Residing in Berkley, Michigan, Molly continues to lead the Lucky Fin Project with passion and dedication, ensuring that individuals with limb differences receive the support and recognition they deserve. 

Molly Stapelman

How does Active Hands support those with Limb Difference?

In line with Molly’s objectives, at Active Hands we love to enable people to live active, exciting and independent lives. We have worked hard to create a range of gripping solutions to support those with limb difference affecting their hands, starting with our Limb Difference gripping aid. This flexible gripping aid can be used for a variety of activities, including accessing equipment in the gym, kitchen, garden or bike handlebars.

In our online shop, products can be filtered by disability or activity. Browse ‘one-handed’ products to see our full range, including plates, cutlery, hair-ties, magnetic zips and shoe laces and so much more.

Jo Smith