There are some reports that you just can’t get your head around upon reading, but we are relieved to say that there was a happy ending to the following story.
The online community has rallied around a four-year-old boy whose prosthetic leg was stolen during his first trip to the beach, last weekend.
According to the New York Daily News, little Liam Brenes was at California’s Crystal Cove State Beach with his family, on Sunday, when the incident occurred.
Liam was born without a fibula – or calf bone – and uses a custom-fit prosthesis on a daily basis.
During his first beach outing, Liam decided to wear his shorter prosthesis while wading in the water, so as to protect his longer leg. When he emerged from the water, however, his family quickly realised that the leg had been stolen along with a bag of clothing and a water cooler.
A search was carried out by the family, with the help of local park rangers, but the leg was not found.
Saddened by the family’s experience, friend Ann-Marie Brasil decided to create a GoFundMe page, to raise money for a replacement leg for Liam.
While the target was set at $10,000, kind strangers donated a whopping $19,000 – meaning Liam is set to get a new leg at no cost to his family.
The remainder of the money raised is set to be donated to Shriners Hospital, where Liam receives treatment.
In an interview, Liam’s overwhelmed mum Amanda McFarland said: “I have almost forgotten that there was something bad that happened in the beginning, there have been so many good people that have stepped up and wanted to help.”
