Stephon Garcia, the 16-year-old who lost his left leg to cancer almost a year ago, has received the best Christmas gift he could ask for, the promise of a prosthetic leg.The Liv Movement donated the money required for the leg, which was estimated at $60,000. Stephon's mother was happy about the generous donation."We're very excited, Stephon is excited to finally get it on," Stephanie Garcia said, on Christmas Eve.
The T&T Guardian followed Stephon's fundraising efforts, as his school's Interact Club at Holy Cross College, Arima and the Piarco Rotary Club raised $21,000 from a fashion show in late November to help cover the cost of the prosthesis. Now, Stephon could have his prosthetic leg in the next two months, as Liv has given the money in full."In two months he will have it on," Stephanie said.
His appointments with T&T Orthotics and Prosthetics Ltd were successful and the measurements were sent to Texas, USA, where the mould would be made and sent back to Trinidad by February.She explained Stephon would still needed a year of physical therapy, and the money raised by the clubs would be used to pay those bills. Trevor Ifill, president of the Piarco Rotary Club, was delighted when he heard the news."This is a lovely Christmas gift. I am pleased, I am grateful. We are extremely grateful."
Ifill said the club would be sure to make time to formally express its gratitude to the Liv Movement."We will show them our appreciation. God bless them. They are giving new life to this young man," he said.He also commended the T&T Guardian for continuously sharing Stephon's story, and raising awareness about his needs.
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Stephon was diagnosed with cancer of his left femur when he was 15 years old, and before he could celebrate his 16th birthday, his leg had to be amputated from his hip. He moves around on crutches, and still does not have the all-clear from doctors that he has overcome the osteosarcoma (a cancerous bone tumour that usually develops in teenagers). He regularly has CT and MRI scans at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex.
The Liv Movement supports people living with cancer and creates awareness on how to survive, according to its Facebook page.