Born without legs: Leano (4) learns to flourish with prosthetics
This is the story of Leano, a four-year-old girl born without legs, whose journey with prosthetics, a loving family, and a supportive non-profit is inspiring a community.
POLOKWANE – At four years old, Leano Langa is full of life.
She loves to dance, admires princesses and dreams of having a unicorn as a pet.
Trips to the mall and music fill her with joy, just like any other child her age.
But Leano’s journey is unlike most. Leano was born without a fibula, one of the two bones in the lower leg, a rare condition known as fibular hemimelia.
Her mom, Nomphi, says her pregnancy was completely normal, with no signs of complications. “When she was born, the doctors first thought she had club feet,” Nomphi recalls.
“Later, specialists diagnosed her with fibular hemimelia. They explained her legs, feet and toes were there, but she would never be able to use them.”
Faced with a heartbreaking decision, the family had two options: attempt to reconstruct her legs with steel rods, or amputate and give her a chance at mobility through prosthetics. Just before her second birthday, on July 17, 2023, Leano underwent a double amputation.
It was during this difficult time that the family was introduced to Jumping Kids, a non-profit organisation that supports children with prosthetic limbs.
The organisation has since covered Leano’s school fees, therapy, and prosthetic needs. Leano recently received a new pair of blades, advanced prosthetic legs designed for improved mobility.
She is now working with a physiotherapist to adjust to them.
Her dad, Helder, says the family’s mission is clear: never isolate Leano or let her feel different. “We go everywhere with her, to the mall, to events. We never hide her. When she’s out in public, it builds her character,” Helder says proudly. “She’s not shy at all.”
However, finding an inclusive learning environment hasn’t been easy. After being turned away from several primary schools, the family found a welcoming home at Apple Tree, the only school that embraced her fully, her parents said.
The owner of Apple Tree, James Campbell, says Leano is a ray of sunshine.
“When Leano’s parents came to Apple Tree to talk to us about her challenges, it was unknown territory for both her parents as well as the school. Our main goal, however, was to see a little girl develop to her full potential, and so we positively embraced the challenge. Leano adapted very quickly to the new environment. ‘Leano is a courageous girl, and no challenge is too big for her. She has taught both the children and the teachers how to persevere and to be positive.”
Leano’s dad urges other parents of children with disabilities not to give up: “There are organisations that can help. Do your research. Just because your child is physically challenged doesn’t mean they don’t have a future.”
Nomphi echoes this sentiment, reminding society that disability does not equal mental incapacity.
For Leano, the path forward is paved not just with challenges, but with hope, dreams and the unstoppable support of a loving family – and maybe one day, a unicorn too.
