Alex Parra, a 22-year-old TikToker from Roseville, Calif., undertook a difficult mission on the San Francisco Marathon on Sunday. Parra tried the hilly course with two crutches to boost consciousness in regards to the exorbitant value of athletic prosthetics. At 15, Parra had his proper leg amputated resulting from stage 2 osteosarcoma, and together with his run, he aimed to make clear the monetary struggles confronted by amputees.
When he entered the race, Parra knew he would wish the whole eight-hour time restrict to complete the marathon. With practically 500 meters of elevation acquire and two main climbs within the ultimate 21 km, the San Francisco Marathon is notoriously tough. Nonetheless, the problem proved much more demanding than Parra anticipated, and by the 20-km mark, he was already 40 minutes not on time. With extreme blisters on his palms (from the crutches) and excessive fatigue, he made the robust resolution to withdraw from the race on the 27-km mark.
“Whereas I didn’t full the total 26 miles, I nonetheless achieved one thing I by no means thought potential,” Parra shared together with his followers.
In California, insurance coverage doesn’t cowl prosthetics, and an athletic leg (designed for working) can value near $50,000. Parra mentioned, “If you wish to go on a run, you spend $100 on trainers. But when I need to go on a run, I’ve to spend over $35,000,” highlighting the monetary burden confronted by these in want of prosthetics.
Often called @Alex1Leg on TikTok, Parra has been sharing his inspiring journey since 2021, aiming to attach with others experiencing related challenges. With over 800,000 followers and greater than 50 million likes throughout his movies showcasing his athletic way of life with a prosthetic, Parra has efficiently reached and impressed many.
@alex1leg having two legs sounds good ngl
All through his journey, Parra has raised $3,000 for the Challenged Athletes Basis, the identical basis that allowed him to pursue his athletic goals and made it potential for him to buy a prosthetic. “It’s only a surreal expertise, as a result of I by no means thought I’d be capable to afford it,” he mentioned.
