Montana News

Huntley Project athlete amputee gaining emotional, financial support

Posted: Dec 3, 2012 8:34 AM by Dustin Klemann - MTN News

WORDEN - It didn't take long to realize the type of community that is located 15 miles north of Billings.

In the last quarter of his last game this season, 16-year-old Huntley Project football player Koni Dole suffered a double-break in his lower right leg while making a tackle.

The injury was so gruesome it turned into what's known as clostridium difficile, or a bacterial infection.

After being told by doctors an amputation would enhance his chances of returning to sports, he decided to amputate.

Fast forward more than a month later and supporters of Dole, entered the high school in droves for Sunday's auction fundraiser.

More than 150 items were set to sell during the silent and live auctions as the money from each item goes to the financial burden of the two prosthetic price tags exceeding upwards of $50,000.

Auction items included a signed football from the team of the Denver Broncos, an autographed football from NFL Star quarterback Cam Newton.

Dole hopes to be back on the field with his teammates for next year's season opener.

His current prosthetic is temporary but doesn't know when he'll be able to receive his sports prosthetic.

Even locally made shirts in support of Dole were being sold.

Dole knows the effort everyone is putting forth, and couldn't be more appreciative.

In the meantime, Dole has something else to look forward to.

He says he hopes to receive his everyday prosthetic on Monday.