Joseph Pleban of Fredericksburg, Virginia learned that doctors would have to amputate his left foot because of a rare bone and joint disease called pigmented villonodular synovitis. This affliction caused tumors to form on the connective tissue of his joints. Doctors informed Pleban that the only way to stop the spread would be to amputate his lower leg.
Pleban is an athletic person who engages in snowboarding, wakeboarding, and rugby. The loss of a leg can be a heavy blow to an athlete. But Pleban decided to have fun with his looming amputation.
He took his left leg on a "farewell tour" and photographed it on adventures. His sister documented these events on a Facebook page called The Last Adventures of Joe's Left Foot.
Pleban goofed around, pretending that he would find a cheaper way to get rid of his foot.
He also got a tattoo that could be helpful to surgeons.
Pleban's amputation is now complete. He's back at home with his family, resting and recovering from surgery. He also appeared on reddit, inviting people to ask him questions about his foot and its adventures.
-via Dave Barry