Prosthetics Fundraiser In Sudbury Will Aid Youth Athletes

SUDBURY, MA — A Wayland-based nonprofit that raises money to buy specialty prosthetics for athletes will return to the Wayside Inn in June for an annual fundraiser, this time seeking to help two runners and two snowboarders.

The 2023 Who Says I Can't Foundation fundraiser supported Emma Collier, who was in need of a prosthetic running leg. This year's fundraiser will aid Collier again after she outgrew her previous prosthetic. This year's fundraiser will also benefit another aspiring runner in need of a prosthetic.

"We are setting a record year helping four kids simultaneously. This is our major fundraiser of the year and we need all the help you can give us to get these kids up and going. Two of them, Jaclyn and Anthony, are getting special snowboarding feet because they are working towards entry into the Paralympics in snowboarding," the foundation said.

The Who Says I Can't Foundation was founded by Jothy Rossenberg, an author and entrepreneur who lost a leg at age 16 due to bone cancer, with the aim of getting amputees involved in sports. The nonprofit pays for prosthetics so adults and young people can participate in sports like sailing, surfing, skiing and swimming. Insurance companies only typically cover prosthetics used for walking.

The June 8 fundraiser under the tent at the Wayside Inn begins at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $50 for adults, but kids under 12 get in free. Tickets include dinner, music and a meet-and-greet with athletes the foundation has helped. Find out more on the Who Says I Can't Foundation website.