4-year-old OC boy gets one-of-a-kind replacement for stolen prosthetic leg

Friday, July 29, 2016
4-year-old OC boy gets one-of-a-kind replacement for stolen prosthetic leg
It was a happy ending on Thursday for a 4-year old boy whose prosthetic leg was stolen at an Orange County beach.

TARZANA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- It was a happy ending on Thursday for a 4-year old boy whose prosthetic leg was stolen at an Orange County beach.

The Brenes family, of Rancho Santa Margarita, thought they were getting a temporary prosthetic leg for little Liam.

All, however, were in for a big surprise. The new prosthetic leg was not temporary - it was permanent.

"We're walking away with more than we need, more than I feel like I even deserve," said Amanda McFarland, Liam's mom. "It's just really overwhelming and wonderful."

Making a permanent prosthetic like the one Liam received usually takes weeks, but Michael Metichecchia and his team at Essential Orthotics and Prosthetics in Palmdale were determined to get Liam back on his feet as soon as possible.

The final product was a one-of-a kind "Ghostbusters" leg.

Liam was on his first trip to the beach in Orange County on Sunday when someone stole his prosthetic leg while he played in the water.

Metichecchia saw his story on Eyewitness News and jumped in to help. He donated the new leg and expedited the process.

"We hope that it makes him want to wear it more, want to use it more, want to show it off more, maybe embrace it," Metichecchia added.

It won't just stop with this leg: Liam was also going to get a prosthetic that allows him to swim.

"They could not have done better. They hit the nail on the head for this little boy, this little ghostbusters fanatic," said Liam's father, Frank Brenes. "He loves it. The smile on his face says it all when he sees it. It's just - wow!"

And with Liam now powered by "Ghostbusters," his dad said the only issue will be how to slow him down.

"A little afraid trying to keep up with him," he said. "He is so quick, nothing's going to stop him. He's so happy."