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FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A brother of an amputee is offering support and empathy to the victims of the Boston Marathon attacks by fundraising money for prostheses.
Michael Stolzenberg lost portions of all four of his limbs as a second grade student. In 2008, the boy contracted a bacterial infection that caused him to go into a coma and lost oxygen to his limbs. As a result, doctors amputated portions of his arms and legs.
"The seven months that followed were a maze of doctor's visits and physical therapy," wrote his brother, Harris Stolzenberg. "Yet even the long recovery process couldn't dampen Michael's smile or sense of humor. He always remained positive and his strength pulled not only him, but his family and friends through that time."
Michael, now in the seventh grade, plays lacrosse and football on his school's team in Florida with the use of prostheses, which the community helped his family buy.
"Despite his challenges, he still competes and doesn't let anything stop him. He fought through it in a way I didn't know was even possible," Harris said. "He inspires me and everybody around him with his unforgettable smile and positive attitude."
Now, Harris wants to give back what his community gave to his brother and family. He hopes to raise $1 million for assistance and prostheses for those who lost limbs in the Boston Marathon attack on April 15.
In addition to the fundraising,* Harris will run the 2014 Boston Marathon to honor his brother, in what he is calling, "Mikey's Run." The two-fold campaign hopes to "give the families affected by the tragedy in Boston on 4/15/13 the support they need to recover and regain independence."
"I know first hand the affect (sic) this has on the person and their family, and I felt compelled to help them," Harris wrote.
He added, "When Michael needed help, his community rallied around him."
Top image: Mikey's Run
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