Michael’s Journey

Two hours after birth on December 8th, 1999 Michael was rushed to Nationwide Children’s Hospital where he spent his first seven weeks in the NICU. After many tests, evaluations, and discussions with multiple disciplines, he was diagnosed with Sacral Agenesis/Caudal Regression Syndrome, a condition that means the absence of a tailbone which results in paralysis of the lower extremities. Over the past 18 years, Michael has endured numerous tests, therapies, assessments and 26 surgeries from multiple practices within Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

At a very young age, we realized the importance of placing Michael in activities that would help strengthen his muscles and help build his self-confidence. At the age of 18 months, we enrolled him in regular gymnastics, recreational therapy, swimming, and sled hockey. At that point, we quickly recognized how important adaptive sports would be in his life. He loved participating with other individuals with similar abilities. Over the years he participated in multiple adaptive sports, but sled hockey and wheelchair track stuck with him. He played sled hockey for 15 years and he is now attending the University of Illinois and competing with the wheelchair track program.

We knew the day Michael was born that our life was going to be different, but we had no idea the opportunities that lied ahead for him and our family. We are so thankful for the encouragement, support and medical knowledge we received from so many doctors, nurses, and therapists. All which have contributed to Michael successes in the Adaptive Sports World.

One of Michael’s most highlighted moments was being able to return to Columbus to participate in the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Marathon a few weeks ago with few of his teammates. Michael finished with a time of 2:17, just missing his goal of 2 hours. He is looking forward to competing again next year to meet his goal.

Michael hopes that other children reach out to the adaptive sports organizations in the area so that they can create memories and experiences just as he did.

https://flutter.nationwidechildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/gravity_forms/4-ede9f44fbfc12d4ad796078917b471d6/2018/11/IMG-0848.jpg
https://flutter.nationwidechildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/gravity_forms/4-ede9f44fbfc12d4ad796078917b471d6/2018/11/IMG-0835.JPG

Two hours after birth on December 8th, 1999 Michael was rushed to Nationwide Children’s Hospital where he spent his first seven weeks in the NICU. After many tests, evaluations, and discussions with multiple disciplines, he was diagnosed with Sacral Agenesis/Caudal Regression Syndrome, a condition that means the absence of a tailbone which results in paralysis of the lower extremities. Over the past 18 years, Michael has endured numerous tests, therapies, assessments and 26 surgeries from multiple practices within Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

At a very young age, we realized the importance of placing Michael in activities that would help strengthen his muscles and help build his self-confidence. At the age of 18 months, we enrolled him in regular gymnastics, recreational therapy, swimming, and sled hockey. At that point, we quickly recognized how important adaptive sports would be in his life. He loved participating with other individuals with similar abilities. Over the years he participated in multiple adaptive sports, but sled hockey and wheelchair track stuck with him. He played sled hockey for 15 years and he is now attending the University of Illinois and competing with the wheelchair track program.

We knew the day Michael was born that our life was going to be different, but we had no idea the opportunities that lied ahead for him and our family. We are so thankful for the encouragement, support and medical knowledge we received from so many doctors, nurses, and therapists. All which have contributed to Michael successes in the Adaptive Sports World.

One of Michael’s most highlighted moments was being able to return to Columbus to participate in the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Marathon a few weeks ago with few of his teammates. Michael finished with a time of 2:17, just missing his goal of 2 hours. He is looking forward to competing again next year to meet his goal.

Michael hopes that other children reach out to the adaptive sports organizations in the area so that they can create memories and experiences just as he did.

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