© 2026 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Thief Steals Backpack With $20,000 Prosthetic Arm Inside

RACHEL MARTIN, HOST:

Parker Hanson was born without a left hand. But that hasn't kept him from his favorite game. He plays college baseball in South Dakota as a pitcher. Earlier this month, Hanson's truck was broken into. And the thief took a backpack. Problem though - Hanson's $20,000 prosthetic arm was in the backpack. Friends launched fundraisers to replace the prosthetic. A hospital in neighboring Minnesota is donating a new arm to the player. So all that money now goes to charity. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.