Funds Being Raised to Help South Lake Tahoe Native Ryan Wallace Get New Leg

The South Lake Tahoe community is know for its ability to pull together when one of it own is in need of help, and that is evident once again with the story of Ryan Wallace. The life long local had a rare form of bone cancer which led to the amputation of his leg when he was just 19.

And now, the prosthetic leg he has used for ten years has become such a burden that it is unusable. Last spring he had a fall which injured his foot and the resulting pain from that and the prosthetic now have him bound to a wheel chair. The cost of a new leg is $50,000 and without insurance or full time jobs, Ryan cannot afford the replacement. Anchor Prosthetics will supply a new leg at half price, but $25,000 is still out of range so the situation has taken on a life of its own through a fundraising website, youcaring.com.

The inspirational middle school and high school wrestling coach now has his story in front of thousands via a youtube video filmed at Starbucks at the Y with friends and students. The video is shown on youcaring.com for 53 days during which time Wallace needs to raise the full $25,000. As of Thursday, February 27, just three days into the viewing period, $3,184 has been raised. One can see how much he has meant to so many people, how many lives he has touched by reading the comments on the site's "supporters" section.

If locals don't know Ryan, they may be familiar with his dad Duane who once headed the California side Chamber of Commerce prior to the merger. The senior Wallace owned "Happy Steak" at the Y, located where Beach Hut Deli is now located. Step-mom Tami is an active community member as well and currently on the Planning Commission.