Marathon Bombing Victims Help a North Andover Boy

Stoneham Brothers, JP & Paul Norden, were severely injured during the second blast at the Boston Marathon bombing, each brother lost a leg.

A year and a half later, the Norden family formed their new charity, “A Leg Forever,” to help others who have lost limbs. One of the first recipients is a local 12-year-old who lost his leg in a boating accident.

“This past year my family was introduced to a young 12 year old boy at Spaulding Rehab named Tommy Cox. Tommy lives close by in North Andover, MA and sadly lost his leg in a horrific boating accident last summer,” according to A Leg Forever’s Charity Facebook page. “JP, Paul and Tommy now have a special bond.”

A portion of the proceeds from Sunday’s golf tournament will be dedicated to help Tommy, according to the Norden family.

The charity is a non-profit corporation (501c3 status pending) was Liz Norden’s way to pay it forward and assist other amputees in need of assistance with injuries.

“The Boston Marathon Bombings opened a whole new world to my family, Without the help of the ONEFUND and generous donations from the public we would never have survived this horrific event. My two sons each lost a leg and the cost of prosthetic limbs is unimaginable. I hope in some way we can pay it forward and help others in need with this newly formed charity we have named “A LEG FOREVER”...because nobody should go without,” wrote Liz Norden on the charity’s Facebook page.

Prosthetic limbs come in a variety of makes and models and need to be replaced every three to five years throughout an amputees lifetime, and can cost upwards of $140,000, according to the family.

“Bionic limbs are amazing but not everyone can not afford them. Insurance does not always cover the costs involved and many families must find a way on their own to pay. It is our hope that funds raised by “A LEG FOREVER” charity can help assist those in need if even by donating a small portion. Nobody should go without limb...and we hope to make a difference just as others have made a difference in our lives.”

Facebbook photo.