Two years ago, I called the UCSF engineering department with a strange request. I asked, “Is there anyone there that can help me make a phototherapy lamp for jaundiced babies? I leave for the Congo in just a few days and want to build one as soon as possible.”
A few moments later I was greeted by the friendly voice of an audio/visual specialist named Tim Falconer. He replied, “I don’t know anything about that now, but it sounds like an interesting project. Let me get back to you.”
He started research immediately and over the ensuing months learned the physics and physiology of phototherapy and jaundice. Then, this Spring, he developed a prototype phototherapy unit in the garage of his house.
I was extremely impressed by his work. He spent countless hours of his free time to protect anonymous children in a far off land from the devastating effects of kernicterus.
Thanks Tim for all of your work!
September 10, 2011 at 7:43 pm |
Awesome bili light! It is amazing that U thought to ask the engineering dept for their assistance at UCSF & they were able to come through with a light for you! Sad kernicterus story! UR inspiring! -lc
September 10, 2011 at 8:21 pm |
Yeah, Tim is the real deal…even after knowing him for many years! Best regards, Yosef
September 11, 2011 at 3:06 pm |
Thanks Chris, it’s very gratifying to see the bili light in action… and is that the bili light meter I spy in the first photo?
September 11, 2011 at 7:38 pm |
[...] using a bili light and bili light meter I made and documented here on the Bili Light Blog. Chris is using them to help babies in [...]
September 12, 2011 at 2:28 pm |
What a great story! It is very inspiring to hear how people are so resourceful and motivated to help one another.
September 17, 2011 at 12:21 pm |
Inspiring. I wonder what Tim will do next.
March 30, 2012 at 11:45 am |
[...] a calibration device in inexpensive, kit form. The first version of Tim’s open-source devices began saving babies’ lives last August in the Congo, and since then, his Luma League designs have also been locally assembled and put to use in Haiti, [...]