Giving season has arrived just in time for a 20-year-old Oregon cancer survivor whose prosthetic leg was taken from his vehicle earlier this month.
Atticus Root’s family raised around $12,000 in a few weeks, which is more than enough to purchase a replacement for the device he has been using since bone cancer forced the amputation of his left leg at the age of 14.
However, according to his uncle, Root has been depressed ever since thieves stole his prosthetic leg from his car on December 8 and no amount of money has been able to make it better.
Joshua Veldstra told NBC News, “He just can’t catch a break kind of situation.” He appears to have a positive outlook on the situation, or at least he is making an effort to do so. However, it’s a terrible thing. Who, after all, would steal a prosthetic leg?
There are no fresh leads, according to Portland police spokesperson Mike Benner. Through the Crime Stoppers of Oregon program, they are providing a cash reward of up to $2,500 “for information that leads to the recovery of a stolen prosthetic limb.”
“While this piece of medical equipment is worth approximately $8,000, its true value cannot be measured in dollars as it provides great assistance to a 20-year-old Portland man who lost his leg to a bone cancer,” the program stated in a statement.
At the age of 13, Root received a diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer that typically affects children, teens, and young adults. His left femur contained the malignancy, which was in danger of spreading. The adolescent was compelled to make a decision that would change their life.
“It wasn’t really that hard of a decision to make,” Root emphasized in a 2019 interview with KGW8, the local news station of NBC. “It was either my life or an amputation.”
The specially designed prosthetic that became a part of Root’s new existence was delivered shortly after that.
“It was custom-made to fit his body,” the uncle Veldstra explained. “It was made just for him.”
In addition, Root needs crutches and occasionally uses his “spare” prosthetic limb, which is less comfortable.
Root left the prosthetic leg in his car’s trunk when he went out to dinner with friends in downtown Portland earlier this month.
According to Veldstra, he has no idea why he used the extra prosthesis to go to the restaurant. However, the personalized leg was gone when he got back.
According to Veldstra, they damaged the steering column and caused the trunk to pop. Along with some of his job tools, such as his welding bag, his leg was in the trunk, which was taken.
According to Veldstra, the tragic irony is that Root, who fought cancer for a large portion of his adolescence, was finally adjusting to this prosthetic leg. He said that it reduced his need for crutches and had a moveable knee and a running blade for exercise.
According to Veldstra, who mentioned that his nephew works as a welder, it’s crucial for his job as well because he was able to use both hands and didn’t need crutches. Now, however, everything is more difficult.
According to Veldstra, Root and his mother, Irene, were not prepared to discuss the theft.
“They’re both super upset about this,” he stated. “My sister is very anxious about it all.”
On the GoFundMe page her brother created to collect money to replace Root’s stolen limb, Irene Veldstra expressed her disappointment.
She commented, “Atticus was just starting to feel better and get back on his ‘feet’, but I am fully aware life sucks.” “This is not fair to him. We welcome any more suggestions from anyone. Additionally, it is not covered by rental insurance.
However, the friends of the family reacted as soon as they learned about Root’s ordeal. Nearly $12,000 had been donated on the fundraising website as of Thursday.
In a text message, Veldstra stated, “The family is very relieved and so grateful to everyone who has donated,”
It will take time for a new prosthetic leg to be constructed and fitted, but the family now has enough money to get Root a new one.
He admitted that he had no idea how long it would take to install a new one, but he estimated it might be several months.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!