Westport boy hoping to raise funds, reach other amputees

(WESTPORT, Ind.) – A local boy is hoping to raise funds in order to help other kids who can’t afford prosthetic limbs. 

8-year-old Alexander Lecher was born with a rare condition called Macrodactyly, which is a foot overgrowth disorder. 

It caused him to have a foot amputated at 2-years-old and he has used a prophetic leg ever since. 

The loss of a limb hasn’t held Alexander back from normal hobbies such as running, climbing trees, riding bikes, racing scooters and playing baseball. 

One of his favorite hobbies is ice skating and he received a special prosthetic earlier this year to help him skate with ease. 

Alexander and his family have gotten involved with the Jordan Thomas Foundation (JTF) which provides prosthetics to children and teenagers. 

The nonprofit was founded after a Tennessee teenager lost both of his legs in a boating accident. 

“Not only does the foundation cover the costs of prosthetics above and beyond what your insurance covers, it covers sport specific prosthetics that insurances don’t believe are necessary and won’t cover,” said Alexander’s mom, Katie. 

Katie added that the nonprofit also helps build a community of  kids who have suffered an amputation. They also provide mental health services to children as well. 

They have joined JTF fundraiser in April in order to help other kids who are facing similar situations to Alexander.

The deadline to donate to this fundraiser is tonight (April 30) and you can do so by clicking here.

“Along with the fundraiser we are hoping to reach other amputee kids who could benefit from this amazing organization. Furthermore, we hope to spread awareness of what amputee families have to walk through and that they’re not alone,” Katie said.

RELATED: Meet a South Ripley eighth grader who continues to excel while having a prosthetic leg. Read that story here.