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Light moments help cope with loss of leg

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Barbara J. Perenic/Wide receiver Derick Byrd, a freshman on the Triad JV football team, lines up during a game against Mechanicsburg on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Derick plays with a prosthetic "cheetah" leg.

By Brian Plasters, Staff Writer Updated 7:23 AM Friday, October 23, 2009

NORTH LEWISBURG — Devin Byrd held his brother’s foot high, like a trophy.

Derick Byrd was running routes during a July football session when his titanium and carbon fiber prosthetic leg snapped in two, at the ankle joint.

“I was trying to run really hard and I went to cut,” the Triad High School freshman wide receiver said, “and my foot went sideways because it was getting really weak. It just broke off. It was kinda weird. It went flyin’.”

Derick’s roughhousing proved too much for the titanium and carbon fiber prosthetic. He took it as a badge of honor.

“He started walking around without the foot on his leg, and it was pretty funny,” Devin Byrd said. “I took it home and I had the foot in my bag. I took it out and I said, ‘Mom, I think Derick broke his foot.’”

So passed another light moment for the Byrd family amidst a serious situation.

Derick Byrd was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in his left leg when he was 8 years old. Treatment for the disease weakened his tibia. It was removed and a titanium implant was infused between his femur and his ankle. He couldn’t run, hop, jump, bend, twist or do anything that would damage the implant.

Eventually, that titanium implant bent and a new solution was sought.

In July 2008, Derick underwent a procedure called a rotationplasty. The leg was to be partially amputated and the ankle turned 180 degrees to serve as a knee joint for a prosthetic leg.

However, the procedure failed and his lower leg could not be saved. His leg was amputated above the knee.

“I was expecting to wake up with my leg,” Derick said. “It freaks you out. ... You look down and your leg’s not there. It’s weird.”

However, the loss of his leg turned out to be a benefit. With the first prosthetic, Derick was more active. Still, it wasn’t designed for an rumbling and tumbling teenager who enjoyed sports and wrestling with his brother. Derick received his Cheetah Flex-Foot in September. His activity increased.

“I get better every day,” he said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0366 or bplasters@coxohio.com.

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Derrick and Devon are two of the greatest kids I know. It's been a great pleasure to get to know both of them as well as the family on a personal level.

Josh
6:56 PM, 3/8/2010

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That's are "Byrd Boy"! Derick you are truely our HERO! We are so PROUD of you. It's amazing to watch you take the bad hands life has dealt you and overcome them with your never quite attitude and determination. Keep that state of mind and you can accomplish everything.

Love Ya :)

Aunt Jenny and Uncle Zach
11:17 PM, 10/30/2009

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Derick and Devin, I am proud to be your friend. I told you awhile ago that what one can't do, the other will be there to do it, in his place. Twins are so very special; you two already know that. The Lord is good! He has a special plan for you both.
Love and Prayers, Mary

Mary Salyers
10:45 PM, 10/27/2009

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Derick i just want to let you know all the family in Kentucky and WV are very proud of you and thank God every day for letting you be a part of our life and I know if you keep trusting in God you will go far GOD BLESS WITH ALL OUR LOVE TO YOU AND YOUR WONDERFUL FAMILY

Debbie Moore
11:27 PM, 10/26/2009

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Derick you are a great inspiration not only to kids with cancer but to anyone fighting a battle with life's tragedies. you never gave up. you were an inspiration to us. you are truly my hero. love grandma

Darlene Byrd Jackson (gma)
8:05 PM, 10/26/2009

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