• http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2011/10/23/20/14/10aiwU.St.138.jpg|396
    Sayedgull carries his crutches as he prepares to board a plane at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    Sayedgull waves farewell to his American friends as he prepares to go through a checkpoint at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    Sayedgull walks with his American "father", John Fortin at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    Sayedgull, right hugs his friend Sher Jan before departing at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011. Sher Jan, who is also from Afghanistan will be staying in the U.S. for medical treatment. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    Zoe Tasker laughs with Sayedgull at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    Sayedgull gets a hug from his American "brother", Ronald before boarding his plane at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    Sayedgull shows off his new prosthetic leg before boarding his plane at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    Sayedgull stands with a soldier in Afghanistan.
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    8/4/2011 Sayedgull picks up his prosthetic leg in his bedroom at his home in Sherrills Ford. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    8/3/2011 Steve Overcash shakes hands with Sayedgull at Faith Prosthetic-Orthotic Services in Concord. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    8/3/2011 SherJan, left, and Sayedgull wait with patient advocate, Chris James at Faith Prosthetic-Orthotic Services in Concord. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    8/17/2011 Sayedgull laughs with "Dr. Steve" (Steve Overcash) during an appointment at Faith Prosthetic-Orthotic Services in Concord. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    8/17/2011 Sayedgull gets an adjustment from Steve Overcash during an appointment at Faith Prosthetic-Orthotic Services in Concord. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    Steve Overcash checks Sayedgull 's weight at Faith Prosthetic - Orthotic Services in Concord Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    8/17/2011 Sayedgull talks with his interpreter as his foster father, John Fortin listens to them during an appointment at Faith Prosthetic-Orthotic Services in Concord. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    8/17/2011 Sayedgull listens to Steve Overcash during an appointment at Faith Prosthetic-Orthotic Services in Concord. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    8/17/2011 Sayedgull listens to Steve Overcash during an appointment at Faith Prosthetic-Orthotic Services in Concord. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    8/3/2011 Steve Overcash keeps a watchful eye as Sayedgull walks down a small incline outside Faith Prosthetic-Orthotic Services in Concord. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    8/3/2011 Steve Overcash keeps a watchful eye as Sayedgull walks up a small incline outside Faith Prosthetic-Orthotic Services in Concord. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2011/09/30/21/46/ngQtw.St.138.jpg|447
    8/3/2011 Steve Overcash keeps a watchful eye as Sayedgull walks on his new leg at Faith Prosthetic-Orthotic Services in Concord. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    8/3/2011 Sayedgull's prosthetic leg is removed for his exam at Faith Prosthetic-Orthotic Services in Concord. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    8/3/2011 Steve Overcash, left, speaks with foster parents John Fortin and Zoe Tasker at Faith Prosthetic-Orthotic Services in Concord. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    8/3/2011 John Fortin, left, gives Sayedgull a pat on the head before his appointment at Faith Prosthetic-Orthotic Services in Concord. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    8/3/2011 Sayedgull gives a smile before his appointment at Faith Prosthetic-Orthotic Services in Concord. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    Sayedgul eats pizza as Gracie looks for a handout Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    John Fortin surprises Sayedgull with a tickle Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    Sayedgull gets his first experience with a yo-yo, a gift from a worker at Faith Prosthetic - Orthotic Services in Concord Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    From left, John Fortin supervises as Brina and Sayedgull make pizzas for dinner Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011. It was Sayedgull's first time making his own. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    8/3/2011 Sayedgull laughs with Ronald as they play a video game at Ronald's Sherrills Ford home. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    Sayedgul kicks a soccer ball at his Sherrills Ford home Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    Sayedgul kicks a soccer ball at his Sherrills Ford home Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    8/4/2011 Sayedgull hops along the dock at his host's home in Sherrills Ford. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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    8/4/2011 Sayedgull leaps into Lake Norman from the dock at his host's home in Sherrills Ford. Todd Sumlin - tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com
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