Augustana University pitcher trying to turn theft of prosthetic arm into positive experience

An Augustana University (South Dakota) pitcher is trying to turn a bad experience into a good one through mentorship and giving.

Parker Hanson, a right-handed pitcher who was born without a left hand, announced through Facebook earlier this week that his prosthetic arm had been stolen from his truck inside a backpack full of attachments and other belongings that was in his unlocked vehicle outside his home that morning.

His prosthetic arm is specially fitted for him along with the attachments. The bag contained about $15,000 to $25,000 worth of equipment, he said.

"It's only for me. I'm the only person in the world that can use that arm," Hanson said.

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Parker Hanson stands for a portrait on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Augustana University in Sioux Falls.
Parker Hanson stands for a portrait on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Augustana University in Sioux Falls.

Hanson talked to his neighbor and got surveillance footage of the suspect responsible for entering his vehicle and taking his belongings. The footage was shared on Facebook, and Hanson asked for help recovering his stolen items.

On Tuesday, the Sioux Falls Police Department found his bag on the side of the road near Hanson's home. The prosthetic attachments were returned to Hanson, but his arm is still missing.

"I'm guessing the news stories kind of rattled them, maybe made them feel a little bad or guilty about what they took," Hanson said.

Hanson has a backup arm he's been using but said it's a tighter fit and doesn't feel the same as the one that's missing.

Any information about this person or car would be greatly appreciated. Footage caught on my neighbors security camera...

Posted by Parker Hanson on Monday, May 3, 2021

Although he was born without a left hand, Hanson said he doesn't see that as a disability. Instead, he sees it as an ability to inspire others. That ability took a hit when thieves stole his prosthetics.

"I've had people from all walks of life reach out hoping I get my stuff back, praying for whoever took it, it rejuvenated my thoughts on how much good there really is in the world," Hanson said.

He said he's had people offer money and offer to fundraise for replacements, but Hanson said due to being a NCAA athlete he can't accept donations yet. He said when his season ends he'll figure out what to do with the money.

"We're in the process of trying to figure something out, whatever funds I don't need I'm looking to donate back into the community or charities that help people with disabilities," Hanson said.

Throughout the process of losing his prosthetic arm, Hanson said some good has come of it since more people are sharing his story and reaching out to him. He said some families have reached out so and want Hanson to meet their children who have disabilities and prove to them that they can live a normal life, too. He said he's planning on having some of them visit him at practice soon.

"If I can make a positive impact in someone's life every single day, then that's my definition of a good day, I just want to bring a smile to people's faces," Hanson said.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Augustana University baseball pitcher has prosthetic arm stolen