Pictured left to right: Lauren Piccolino, A Step Ahead Prosthetics; Jack Feeney, Ryan’s brother; Shawn Feeney, Ryan’s father; Ryan Feeney, prosthesis recipient; Jill Feeney, Ryan’s mother; Noelle Lambert, Founder of The Born To Run Foundation; and Bob Emerson, A Step Ahead Prosthetics
Ryan Feeney of Melrose, MA, was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) and Tibial Dysplasia. After a rod surgery that failed, his parents decided just before his 2nd birthday to have his leg amputated below the knee to give him a life with no limits.
Ryan’s story was gripping, and in February 2020, I had the opportunity to present him with a running bade at his 4th grade Melrose Recreational League basketball practice. Ryan’s mother Jill said they had been waiting for a running blade for years and never thought he would be able to keep up with his brothers and friends and now he can. Ryan added that his new leg has a lot of spring to it and will let him go faster. At the donation event, Ryan was able to test out his new leg with all his friends at his basketball practice. Now, Ryan is able to play soccer, basketball and tackle football. Ryan was 9 years old at the time of the donation.
Ryan’s running blade was made by A Step Ahead Prosthetics in Burlington, MA. This was the Foundation’s 7th donation.