7-year-old amputee's courageous attitude

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. – A seven-year-old boy is keeping a courageous attitude despite losing his leg.

Andrew Hastings was injured in July after he was hit by a car while riding an ATV. Andrew underwent several surgeries, but the bones in his left leg did not heal. He had extensive nerve damage, and only 20 percent of his calf muscles.

“Basically you look at his leg and you see skin, but underneath the skin there's nothing in there,” said Andrew’s mother, Jaira Elizabeth Hastings, before the surgery.

Last Tuesday, doctors amputated Andrew’s left leg, below the knee.

“When we came out, the doctors said everything went wonderfully,” said Jaira Elizabeth.

After a few days in the hospital to ensure the infection in his leg was gone, Andrew is home.

Doctors outfitted him with a special camouflage cast that he'll wear that until his leg has healed enough to wear a prosthesis.

By the way he gets around so fast, you'd never realize he just had surgery. Andrew said sometimes he feels pain, but mostly the cast itches.

There is an adjustment period.

“He asked me right after his surgery if he was wiggling his toes… trying to explain to his brain what's going on to his body. He's adjusted very well,” said Jaira Elizabeth.

Andrew told WCNC he can't wait to try and wear heelies again, the sneakers with wheels in the heels, and his parents can't wait to see him run.

Of course it has been physically and emotionally difficult for the entire family.

“My head has understood that this was necessary, but it's hard to explain it to your heart. But the doctors said your heart will understand when you see him run,” said Jaira Elizabeth.

Friends are hosting a fundraiser to assist the Hastings with the medical bills: “Port-a-Pit” Chicken Fundraiser, Friday, Jan. 25 at Belmont Foursquare Church, 8 Elizabeth St., Belmont. The cost is $8 per plate. They are also delivering for business orders.