 Name: AJ Digby
Type of Amputation: Bi-lateral BK
The last time we wrote about AJ Digby, one of College Park's TruPer Heroes, he was an active 4-year-old with a great, big smile and a wealth of energy. AJ is now a very active and happy 8-year-old with the same energy and determination that he had at 4, but like most active kids his age, he has added a few new activities to his already busy agenda.
In between playing flag football in the fall, hockey in the winter, and baseball in the spring, AJ, a bi-lateral BK amputee and TruPer wearer, likes to play X-Box with his brother and sister. AJ is also a member of the student council at his elementary school, and in his spare time, he likes to watch NASCAR with his dad, Gordon. When asked what his favorite subject in school is, AJ replies, "Recess!"
When AJ was first fitted with his TruPer feet about 5 years ago, the Digbys were overjoyed that he could run and play with all of the other kids his age. Today, the Digby's are still thrilled with the TruPer feet because as AJ grows, his TruPers grow right along with him.
In 1999, AJ was a growing 2-year-old who was just learning the rules of his favorite sports. "He goes over the rules thoroughly before playing, and watch out if you break the rules because he will let you have it!" says AJ's dad, Gordon Digby. At this time in his life, AJ was wearing 16 cm TruPer Feet.
2002 brought about a few changes for AJ and the Digbys. This was the year that he started preschool, and the growing AJ soon required a change in his TruPers' components. Now, an on the go 5-year-old, he made the switch from 16 cm to 17 cm feet.
AJ began playing on his youth T-ball team in 2003 when he changed from 17 cm to 18 cm TruPers. "AJ moved up to the 8 and under team when he was only 6 because he was doing so well," Gordon says proudly of his son.
At present, AJ wears 19 cm feet. He has a very busy schedule because of all of the sports teams he plays on. "AJ loves all sports, and I do mean all," Gordon smiles. "His favorites are baseball, hockey, basketball, football and swimming, but he also enjoys soccer, kickball and dodge ball."
The TruPer feet that AJ wears prevent constant foot replacement as he matures. Instead of replacing the entire foot, the TruPer allows for the Foreheel and Foot Shell to be changed, preventing costly replacements.
In the years to come, AJ will continue to grow and mature. When he does, his TruPers will be ready.
|