A college student from Polk County will be getting a prosthetic leg much sooner than he thought.
Tyler Ewles lost his right leg below the knee in a motorcycle accident on the way to church last year. He didn't have insurance to pay for a prosthetic leg, so he's been getting around with a walker.
Ewles attends the University of Central Florida in Orlando, but he got his associates degree from Polk State College. When people from the college found out Ewles needed money for a leg, they started fundraising efforts.
After Bay News 9 ran a story about the fundraising effort last week, the 50 Legs charity based in Tampa decided to help pay for the leg.
"Just to be able to walk around the room would be pretty awesome," Ewles said at Prosthetic and Orthotic Associates in Orlando Monday while getting fitted for the prosthetic.
Ewles was also able to meet other amputees at the facility and get some inspiration and advice about his future.
One of the people on hand Monday was Steve Chamberland, who is the founder of 50 Legs. He lost his leg in a motorcycle accident, too.
"When I see somebody, a fellow brother that lost a leg on a motorcycle, it's a little more to my heart because that's how I lost my leg," Chamberland said.
Ewles said he felt blessed.
"Like a huge relief came off of me," he said. "Because I know this company is a great company to come to."
Ewles will need to make a couple more trips to the facility this week for additional fittings, but he should have his new prosthetic leg next week. He's thinking about trying out for the UCF cheer team when he gets acclimated to the prosthetic.