From http://www.hlntv.com/article/2012/08/03/olympic-torch-amputee-teen-lottery-winner-prosthetic
Kieran Maxwell got to carry the Olympic torch last June as it passed through his hometown of Bishop Auckland in the United Kingdom. It was a big moment but this week, a pair of generous strangers may have been able to help the 13-year-old top that experience.
In 2010, Kieran was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer. Despite rigorous treatment, Kieran’s left leg had to be amputated above the knee. Despite his deficit, the teen worked to stay active, but his heavy, cumbersome limb sometimes dragged him down.
Nicola and Alistair Maxwell, Kieran’s parents, began raising money to try and purchase a lighter, U.S.-made model for their son. News of Kieran’s plight reached another British couple, Colin and Chris Weir.
Last year, the Weirs won 161 million pounds (about $251 million) in an EuroMillions draw, the largest prize in the country’s history. Since then, the couple have made a habit of charitable acts and donations. When the Weirs got wind of Kieran’s story, they wanted to help.
When the Maxwells found out the Wiers offered to buy Kieran a new prosthetic, they were shocked. Nicola said her son was dancing and shouting when he heard the news. She said she couldn’t believe their level of generosity.
“What they have done for Kieran will be a small drop in the ocean for them, but for him, it will change his life,” Nicola said. “He can go back to being a normal boy. He can be himself.”
The Maxwells said the funds they’ve already raised will go to the Toma Fund, which benefits teens with cancer. It is more than the Maxwells had every hoped for, but for the Weirs, it was just an act of kindness from one lucky family to another.
“Words cannot describe what they have done,” Nicola said.
