4-Year-Old Whose Prosthetic Leg Was Stolen Gets New 'Ghostbusters'-Themed Limb, Free Trip to Disneyland
— -- A 4-year-old California boy whose prosthetic leg was was stolen at a beach this past weekend was surprised on Wednesday with a new "Ghostbusters"-themed limb.
The custom-designed prosthetic was created and donated by Michael Metichecchia, owner of Essential Orthotics and Prosthetics in Palmdale, California, according to ABC-owned station KABC.
Metichecchia, who is an amputee himself, told KABC he heard 4-year-old Liam Brenes' story earlier this week and was compelled to help.
Liam’s right leg was amputated at the age of 1 due to a rare condition called FATCO syndrome.
This past Sunday, while Liam was playing in the water at a beach, his prosthetic -- along with a family member's cellphone, wallet and camera -- was stolen.
Though it usually takes weeks to create a permanent prosthetic limb, Metichecchia and his team worked overtime to get a new leg to Liam in just a few days.
"We had a lot of people on board that really wanted to help get this done, so me and a couple other gentlemen met at the office this morning around 4 a.m. to get it finished up," Metichecchia told KABC on Wednesday.
Little Liam and his parents went into Metichecchia's office later that day under the impression they were just getting a temporary leg. So when staff came out with the custom-designed permanent "Ghostbusters" prosthetic, they were in shock.
"Whoaaa!" Liam exclaimed in joy.
The 4-year-old's dad, Frank Brenes, told KABC that the surprise felt like "Christmas in July."
"I'm so ecstatic, so thankful," he said. "They could not have done better. They hit the nail on the head for this little boy, this little 'Ghostbusters' fanatic. He loves it. I mean, the smile on his face says it all when he sees it."
The surprises for Liam didn't stop there. Another offer of help came from "Shark Tank" star Robert Herjavec, who arranged for the family to get a VIP tour of Disneyland.
"It just broke my heart," Herjavec told KABC. "I mean, to think about what the little boy has gone through. And with everything that's happening in the world and so much negativity, I just thought if I had the opportunity to make him grow up in an environment where he thinks there are some good people in the world, why not?"
Liam's mother, Amanda McFarland said she was overwhelmed with gratitude.
"I just have such a good feeling about people," McFarland told KABC. "They're so caring. There's been so much generosity. I don't even have words for it right now."
With Liam now powered by “Ghostbusters,” his dad said the only issue now is figuring out how to slow him down.
“I’m a little bit afraid, I’ve been trying to keep up with him,” he said with a laugh. “He is so quick, and nothing’s going to stop him.”
The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News.
