When we met Levi, 17, he told us his Dream was to run again. Before his diagnosis, Levi loved running so much that, even after hours-long grueling football practice, he would go for long runs. When he found out that his leg was going to have to be amputated, he was devasted.  However, this positive, bright, and inspirational young man told us he would run again, no matter the circumstance. One way that he would reach that goal would be with a virtual reality treadmill and Oculus. 

With the help of our friends at Chartway Promise Foundation, Levi had a surprise reveal during the second quarter of the ODU / Wake Forest football game this fall. “I had no clue what was going on,” Levi told us. “Having that happen was unbelievable.”  

When it was time to set Levi up with his equipment, our board member and great friend, Don Coberly, was at the ready to help put together the treadmill. “Don’s a really cool guy!” Levi remarked. 

“The treadmill is really fun! I’m on it a couple times every weekend. I spend a lot of time walking around,” Levi said. “I play a game called Skyrim – I could play that game for hours. Imagine a big open world where you can go anywhere. It’s amazing!” 

Levi’s father reflected that, “Even though he’s physically limited, it has given him the freedom to explore – to be able to go outside and go to different places [by way of the Oculus].”  

“Seeing his genuine smile again has been amazing. Not the one he puts on to make us feel better, but the smile that comes from his toes. You all brought back that smile that we’ve been missing,” his mother said. 

“It’s really amazing to see people looking out for others,” Levi said. “My problem is, no matter how many times I say thank you, I never think it’ll be enough. Just know that everything that you guys have done in the past year has been unreal.” His mother added, “There aren’t enough words in the entire dictionary that can express how grateful we are.” 

With the help of his prosthetic leg, his amazing PT team, and his VR treadmill, Levi is able to run again. “It’s really cool. And I am still working on getting back into it more and more,” he said. This fall, Levi participated in the Abby Furco Memorial Fun Run, walking & running 1K. “It’s a start!” he said. 

The treadmill helps him stay mobile and pushes him,” his mother said. “He’s undefeatable!” 

It was such a treat to get to know Levi and his family throughout the process of his Dream. We are so proud of how far he has come since that first day he told us he dreamed of running again. Dreams do come true!  

We are thankful for our partnership with #ChartwayPromiseFoundation for helping to fund this Dream.