3-year-old Derry boy gifted prosthetic foot by New Hampshire Paralympians
Dozens of people gathered at Delta Dental Stadium Sunday for Össur and the Challenged Athletes Foundation running and mobility clinic.
The event brings together people with lower limb loss and limb differences.
This year's event had a very special guest, Thomas "TJ" DeAngelo, 3, of Derry. TJ was born with a condition that affected his right tibia.
On Sunday, he received a surprise prosthetic Nike Sole sports foot from New England-based track and field Paralympians Femita Ayanbeku and Noelle Lambert.
"It’s probably really incredible for him to be getting this running blade and to just see him put on that running blade on and start running like he’s had it his whole life,” Lambert said. “It's really special and brings you to an awe because kids are invincible and I’m always grateful to be a part of it.”
The clinic is designed to address the enforced lack of motion many people experienced during COVID-19-related lockdowns that can create life-limiting challenges for people living with limb differences.