Atticus Root suffered from bone cancer when he was just 13 years old. This would end up with doctors amputating his left leg due to his disease. He then received a custom-made prosthetic leg that helped him in his day-to-day activities. Unfortunately, Root, now 20, had his prosthetic leg stolen on December 8, 2024. While he has raised enough funds to replace it, it doesn't change the awful nature of the theft.
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Oregon police confirmed the theft, which occurred when the thieves broke into Root's car and stole his prosthetic leg, knee, and running blade. According to a GoFundMe campaign set up by Root's uncle, Joshua Veldstra, the stolen parts cost around $8,000. Veldstra also talked about the theft.
"They messed with the steering column and popped the trunk," Veldstra told KGW8. "His leg was in the trunk, which got stolen with some of his work equipment, like his welding bag he had for work." The Crime Stoppers of Oregon Program also confirmed the value of the stolen items on a December 18 release.
"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," reads the release.
And that unmeasurable value is not an exaggeration. The prosthetic leg Atticus Root received from doctors was custom-made for him and him only. Therefore, even if it were to be used by someone else in a somehow "noble" act of thievery, it would just not fit. It was all for nothing.
Can't Catch A Break
Root's prosthetic leg, according to his uncle, also helped him work as he "was able to use both hands." Root did not need to use his crutches while wearing it. "This is a 'he just can't catch a break' kind of situation," Veldstra said. However, Root was still trying to "maintain a good attitude" after the theft took place. "But it's a horrible thing. I mean, who steals a prosthetic leg?" Veldstra continued.
While Veldstra and Root's family were heartbroken and dumbfounded by the cruelty and attitude of the thieves, the story ended on a positive note. Veldstra helped Root set up a GoFundMe campaign which raised close to $12,000 in a matter of days. Nothing will change the awful feeling of being robbed of your belongings and your inner peace. However, it is reassuring to know that so many people join together in an act of kindness and generosity such as this.
