Kenny Easterday was a man who defied the odds and lived a remarkable life despite being born with a rare condition that left him with half a body. He became famous for his appearances on the Jerry Springer show and his roles in two movies. He died at the age of 42 from complications due to sacral agenesis, the same condition that caused his disability. In this article, we will explore his life story, his achievements, and his cause of death.
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What is Sacral Agenesis?
Sacral agenesis is a congenital disorder that affects the development of the lower spine and the pelvis. It can cause various abnormalities in the lower limbs, the urinary system, the reproductive system, and the nervous system. The severity of the condition varies from person to person, but some cases are so severe that they result in the absence of legs or feet. According to Wikipedia, sacral agenesis occurs in about one in 25,000 births and is more common in infants of diabetic mothers.
How Did Kenny Easterday Lose His Legs?
Kenny Easterday was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on December 7, 1973. He was diagnosed with sacral agenesis shortly after his birth and was given a life expectancy of six months to one year. To improve his mobility and prevent infections, his legs were amputated at the hip when he was six months old. The first surgery involved removing his shin bones and using them to replace his missing spinal column. The second surgery involved removing the rest of his legs at the hips. According to Prezi, he was offered prosthetic legs but he refused them and learned to walk on his hands instead. He also used a skateboard to get around.
How Did Kenny Easterday Become Famous?
Kenny Easterday gained some notability following the 1988 release of the Canadian movie Kenny, in which he played a fictionalized version of himself. The movie was based on a documentary by Claude Gagnon, who later directed another film about Easterday’s life called The Kid Brother. Easterday also became a regular on The Jerry Springer Show, where he functioned as “The Messenger” and delivered messages from guests to their partners or family members. He was also the focus of a 2010 TLC special1 titled The Man with Half a Body, which showed his daily life, his relationship with his ex-wife Sarah, and his desire to have children.
How Did Kenny Easterday Die?
Kenny Easterday died on February 12, 2016, at the age of 42. His cause of death was complications due to sacral agenesis. According to Dead or Kicking, he had been suffering from kidney problems and infections for a long time. He also had diabetes and high blood pressure. He passed away peacefully at his home in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his family and friends. A GoFundMe campaign was set up to help his family with funeral costs, as he had no life insurance and his parents lived on a fixed income.
What Was Kenny Easterday’s Legacy?
Kenny Easterday was a man who lived his life to the fullest despite his challenges. He was loved by many people who admired his courage, humor, and spirit. He played cards, shot pool, went bowling, and enjoyed watching sports. He was also an avid fan of Elvis Presley and collected memorabilia of the King of Rock and Roll. He was a strong-willed person who never gave up on his dreams and goals. He inspired many people with his story and proved that nothing is impossible if you have faith and determination. He was more than the man with half a body; he was a whole person with a big heart.
