A 20-year-old bone cancer survivor, Atticus Root, had his $8,000 prosthetic leg stolen from his car trunk in Portland, Oregon, earlier this month. Root, who lost his leg to osteosarcoma at age 14, relies on the custom-made prosthetic for daily life and work.
Root was having dinner with friends in downtown Portland on December 8th when the theft occurred. He had switched to a spare prosthetic leg for the evening, storing his custom one, along with work tools, in his car trunk. Upon returning, both the tools and the prosthetic were missing. The custom prosthetic, which Root has used since his amputation, is essential for his mobility and allows him to work as a welder without crutches. It features a bendable knee and a blade for running, providing comfort and functionality beyond his spare leg.
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Root’s uncle, Joshua Veldstra, described the situation as devastating, questioning who would steal a prosthetic leg. He emphasized the irreplaceable value of the prosthetic, enabling Root to exercise and live comfortably. Oregon Crime Stoppers echoed this sentiment, stating that the leg’s true value goes far beyond its monetary worth. The organization is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to its recovery.
The Portland Police Bureau confirmed the ongoing investigation, with refuse organizations actively searching in case the leg was discarded. Root’s mother, Irene Veldstra, launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for a replacement. The campaign quickly surpassed its $8,000 goal, accumulating nearly $12,000 in donations before closing. While the family is grateful for the community’s support, it will likely take several months for a new custom prosthetic to be built. The lack of a serial number on the stolen prosthetic, due to its custom nature, complicates the recovery process. Irene Veldstra highlighted the complexity of prosthetic limbs, emphasizing the intricate design and fitting process required for each individual patient.
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Despite the setback, Atticus Root remains positive, striving to maintain a good attitude. While the new prosthetic will eventually enable him to regain his mobility, the theft represents a significant emotional and practical challenge for the young cancer survivor.
