Jon Stojan
Dylan Riley
A year ago, Dylan Riley would never have imagined living a ‘life without limits’ after losing both legs and parts of both hands. But then again, few knew Dylan well enough to predict how he would rise above such challenges. An active, energetic millennial, Dylan, was out playing frisbee golf with friends last fall, when he lunged into the street to catch the frisbee, falling and cutting his right knee. He went home, cleaned up his knee, and didn’t think about it.
Three weeks later, he woke up feeling sick and barely able to move. Dizzy, and realizing he was burning up, his roommate called 911, and Dylan was rushed to the hospital, where he was unresponsive. It was five days later when he woke up to a breathing tube in his mouth, a feeding tube in his nose, and the realization he had been on life support, needing to be resuscitated twice.
Dylan had become septic from a bacterial infection. Because those infected are frequently asymptomatic, the bacterium (Streptococcus) can infiltrate blood and tissue, such as muscle, resulting in Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). This rare but serious infection drastically altered his life, resulting in the amputations he lives with today and the illness he wants to ensure people are aware of.
Despite this scary, life-altering event, Dylan maintains a positive outlook, acknowledging, “Oddly, this has been a blessing in disguise.” As he told his mom, “The main thing is, I’m alive.” Dylan went to his first prosthetic appointment, not knowing the cost or how he would pay for them. Dylan was introduced to Randy Titony, the Executive Director of the Limbs for Life Foundation (LFL), where he was informed that generous donors would pay for his lower limb prosthetics. Limbs for Life, a global non-profit organization that provides prosthetic limbs to uninsured people and those without the means to access costly prosthetics, gave Dylan a newfound independence. “Meeting Randy and getting help from LFL gave me this new life,” states Riley.
Trina White, Dylan’s mother, vividly remembers the first time she saw her son walk through the door with his prosthetics. Tears welling up, she describes it as a surreal and deeply emotional moment. Having braced herself for a wheelchair entrance, the sight of Dylan walking independently took her breath away. It was a reminder of the son she knew, the one brimming with life and determination. While the initial shock brought tears to her eyes, they were quickly replaced by an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. “He’s a fighter,” his mother expresses, “Dylan’s determination and perseverance are just off the charts. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Although Dylan is adjusting to his ‘new normal,’ he is not adjusting his faith. He wishes to share his optimism with other amputees, especially those new to limb loss: “There are so many possibilities. You just have to have faith in yourself and stay strong. Tell yourself that, no matter what, you will give it your best shot. And even if the outcome isn’t what you expect, you will be proud of yourself for giving your full effort.” Dylan recognizes he is fortunate to have a strong support system – family, friends, doctors, and nurses – and credits them with his ability to cope and keep moving forward. Today, he views Limbs for Life as an integral part of that support system, stating, “I have such gratitude for LFL and the team; my journey with this foundation has been, by far, one of the greatest blessings in my life.”
When Randy met Dylan a few months ago, he knew Dylan would not only survive this but thrive, if only given a chance. From the moment he was fitted with his two new prosthetic legs, this young man put all his effort into not only taking his first steps but seamlessly walking as if the world were watching. His progress has been truly remarkable.
Dylan Riley and Randy Titony
Since 1995, Limbs for Life has helped thousands of individuals like Dylan. Funded by donations and grants, 100% of these contributions go directly to putting amputees back on their feet. LFL understands the immediate and profound impact a prosthesis can have on an individual’s life. “Meeting Dylan and his amazing mother has been a privilege. These connections are what motivate us. It’s not just the prosthetics we deliver; we empower these individuals to reclaim their lives. With the support and expertise of prosthetic clinic partners across the US, we’re not just ‘trying’ to do anything, we’re actually doing it,” says Randy. Dylan received his prostheses just a few weeks ago and has already undergone a week of intensive rehabilitation to learn how to use them. He can now walk again and is excited to return to his life.
“At Limbs for Life, one of the most rewarding things is the immediate and tangible difference we can make. We see it happen every day. Dylan’s story is a powerful example of what your donations can do,” Randy reaffirms, “100% of which go directly to prosthetics.” Witnessing a chance to rewrite their future is an incredible blessing, Randy states, “Seeing Dylan walk again is a victory for him and a moment of immense satisfaction for all of us at Limbs for Life. Without a doubt, I continue to be humbled by what we can accomplish together.”