Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Teens raise money for friend’s prosthetic leg

March 1, 2013
Rachel Bennett
Wentzville
Attendants at the Feb. 2 Zumbathon. Almost $2,900 was raised for Emily Linneman, a 14-year-old with Osteosarcoma. Image credit: stltoday.com.

Most teens, whenever they can find the spare change, spend money on clothes, gadgets and food, but that’s not the case for four friends in Wentzville, MO.

When 14-year-old Emily Linneman underwent a below-the-knee amputation due to Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, friends Sarah AdamsJulianna BiswellAlleigh Fine and Amanda Larson wanted to donate their spare change — and more — toward a new leg for Emily.

“It just shocked me that someone our age could have something like that and how happy Emily always was, that something like that could happen to her,” says Larson to Heidi Glaus, a reporter for KSDK, in St. Louis.

“She’s really nice and she’s fun to be around,” adds Fine. “She’s always happy and upbeat.”

To help cover the expenses of the operation and a new prosthesis, the teens organized a “Zumbathon” for Feb. 2 and raised almost $2,900.

But that’s not all they’re doing for Emily: On March 9, they will hold a 5K in her honor. The cost is $25 for those who walk/run and $10 for those who participate in the Littles Ones Run. Everyone will be awarded a medal.

“It’s so [Emily] knows that we got her back and we’re supporting her and we love her just the same, even more now cause she’s so strong,” Larson says.

You can find out more about Emily, her battle and the race here.

Looking for more news, tips and pictures? Check out our Facebook and Twitter pages!