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Today was a special day…I made a new friend! #prosthetics

Today was a special day…I made a new friend! When I met Chris, I knew this guy was a rambunctious boy full of life and a love for sports. But what I did not realize, is how he can change your view of how a little boy with special ability can exceed all predispositions and expectations. I first met Chris and his family a few months ago while researching a story. We were meeting children with lower limb amputees. I was worried about so many things, especially the possibility the children would be shy around a camera and would even shy away because of their prosthetics. From the moment I walked in the door, I knew Chris was, and is, awesome. Today as we followed him playing football, running with his two young siblings at the park, and even being fitted for a new socket…his eagerness to get up and play was ever so evident. His story is one that showcases the power resiliency, loosing the lower part of his leg at birth; the umbilical cord wrapped round his leg cutting off blood supply. To this day, he tells anyone that asks that can never remember having two feet. His matter of fact approach showcases his confidence as a young man. This evening, I shared this picture with Rosebud. I wanted her to meet a special young man who has a special ability. I wanted her to see that no matter your ability, we are all special and we have special gifts. His gift is one of confidence and stamina. He can throw the football and run circles around me. Rosebud asked how he could run with his special leg. We pulled up YouTube and found a video from the 2012 Paralympic Games, the mens 200 meter event. We sat and watched these men run with their “Cheetah” prosthetics, they are actually called the Flex-Foot Cheetah; developed by biomedical engineer Van Phillips, who had lost a leg below the knee at age 21. She was fascinated as these men glided across the screen. I am just fascinated with Chris as he glides across the screen in the viewfinder of our cameras. His story is special! We will be sharing his story soon as we investigate engineering’s grand challenges. #determinedspirit #canon #5dmkiii #prosthetics

Today was a special day…I made a new friend! When I met Chris, I knew this guy was a rambunctious boy full of life and a love for sports. But what I did not realize, is how he can change your view of how a little boy with special ability can exceed all predispositions and expectations.

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