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'IT JUST BROKE MY HEART': ‘Shark Tank’ star Robert Herjavec will replace California boy's stolen prosthetic leg

A 4-year-old boy’s prosthetic leg was stolen by heartless criminals during his first ever trip to the beach on Sunday.

Liam Brenes, who was born without a fibula bone and as a baby had the bottom part of his leg amputated, was exploring the tide pools at Crystal Cove State Beach in Newport Beach, Calif., with his family when his custom-fit prosthesis was snatched, along with his clothing.

Liam was wearing an old prosthetic leg, that was too short for him, to wade in the water and protect his newer, longer prosthesis from the salt water.

Liam’s father looked for the missing leg in nearby trash cans and park rangers helped search the area — but to no avail.

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2016/07/25/4-year-old-boys-prosthetic-leg-stolen-at-orange-count-beach/
Liam Brenes' prosthetic leg, along with his family's possessions, were stolen when their belongings were left on the beach while they explored tide pools.
 (CBSLA)

 

Fortunately, the prosthesis can — and will —  be replaced. Family friend Ann-Marie Brasil has helped raise more than $16,000 from more than 200 donorsthrough a GoFundMe page for Liam.

That amount far surpassed the cause's original goal of $10,000.

Canadian businessman and “Shark Tank” star Robert Herjavec is among those eager to help replace the prosthetic leg as soon as possible.

Not Released (NR)
Robert Herjavec attends the 2016 G'Day Los Angeles Gala at Vibiana on January 28, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. 
 (JONATHAN LEIBSON/GETTY IMAGES)

 

He’s even offered to pay the bill and fastrack the process of getting a new leg made for Brenes.

“It just broke my heart,” Herjavec told ABC7 after hearing the story. “I mean, to think about what the little boy has gone through. And with everything that’s happening in the world and so much negativity, I just thought if I had the opportunity to make him grow up in an environment where he thinks there are some good people in the world, why not?”

A request for comment from the Crystal Cove State Park was not immediately returned.

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