The sockets of her swim prosthesis match the''zebra-look'' of her swimsuit. She can't be without her striped swim prostheses in the swimming pool. Myriam Hagemann deals confidently with her fate. Most of the time, at any rate.
The lively, cheerful character also has a serious and sensitive side: ''I am at last over the phase of hiding my disability. People have to learn that I am a completely normal woman - even when parts of me are missing.“
We are family
Myriam Hagemann has decided – in the most literal sense – to take her legs into her own hands: her dream is to work as a model and, in this way, to contribute something to the family upkeep. ''My husband is the sole provider and we have two young children. I also want to do something to ensure that my family is well looked after!“ In the context of the television programme ''We are family“, Myriam, together with ProSieben, approached medi in Bayreuth. The company agreed immediately: ''Myriam's pictures convinced us straightaway. With her openness and positive attitude, she is exactly the right model for us“, says Brigitte Fink from the medi press office.
So the model Myriam Hagemann from Lower Saxony in Germany became the new face for the medi Prosthetics Division. ''The pictures will be used in catalogues, brochures, on the internet, posters and in press relations work'', declares Yvonne Knarr for medi Prosthetics. Photos have been taken in different locations of the medi company and in the Bayreuth Café Sinnopoli. ProSieben accompanied the shooting.
Appearance at the RehaCare trade fair
Immediately after the photoshoot, Myriam received another job offer; to appear at the medi stand at the International trade fair for rehabilitation, care, prevention, integration called RehaCare in Düsseldorf, where Myriam gave a bravura performance.
For the photoshoot and appearance at the trade fair, two medi below-knee prostheses were made for Myriam, each with the height-adjustable heel carbon foot medi Flex E. Thus, by simply pressing a metal button, Myriam can wear shoes with different heel heights - a big advantage in everyday life.
obs Awards 2008
Of about 1,500 photos submitted in the competition to find the Best Press Picture in 2008, the one from the ProSieben Shoot ''Myriam – please say ''ooooh'' once again!“ won first prize in the category ''Product Photo''. In the process, medi overcame stiff opposition from participants such as Daimler AG, BASF SE and the DB Mobility Logistics AG of German Railways. The obs Awards 2008 were run by the German Press Agency subsidiary "news aktuell''.
This competition is sponsored by the original picture service (obs) of "news aktuell". An expert jury consisting of photojournalists and communication specialists compiled a short list of the 60 best photos from more than 1,500 entries. This was then subjected to an online vote.
Myriam and medi
Myriam and medi are still working together – for photoshoots, at trade fairs, events, presentations, TV appearances. Myriam says ''I use the publicity for other leg amputees; you can be strong and self-confident with your amputation – that's what I want to demonstrate!'' and has already helped many people who have spoken to her.