Shriners Children's Helps Adison Stay In The Game

Adison has never let challenges keep him from playing the game. The high school student and patient ambassador loves playing sports and competing. An accident with a hunting rifle left him with a prosthetic leg, and an extra obstacle to overcome.

“I lost my leg because of a faulty deer rifle,” Adison said. “I was riding in my grandfather’s truck when he hit a bump and the rifle went off shooting me in my knee cap. The hospital in my town didn’t know what to do so I was flown to a San Antonio hospital. I was in the hospital for three weeks.”

Shriners reached out to his family to let them know about Shriners Children's hospitals and the opportunities available to them. Adison’s family felt new hope for the first time since the accident.

“My mom was contacted by a Shriners [International] member who read in the newspaper what had happened to me. He came to the house and explained to us who the Shriners were and what they did,” Adison said. From there, the treatment process began. “A week later I was being taken to the Shriners [hospital] in Houston. I went in a wheelchair and was told I’d leave there walking. Three months later, I left Shriners walking out with my new leg.”

Adison’s prosthetic leg allowed him to get back to the hobbies and activities he loves. He has played football since he was 5 years old, and continues to play it at his high school. He also loves playing baseball, track and field, and going fishing. For Adison, playing football gives him a chance to prove himself.

“I’m a big kid and I love to compete. It’s funny because high school kids see me with my prosthetic leg and think that I am weak and can be knocked down easily. I love seeing their faces when they are the ones who end up on their butts! And if I do get knocked down, I get right back up.”

Adison, right now, is focused on finishing high school. He just got his learner’s permit and is learning to drive, and is also enjoying taking welding classes at his school. He hopes to do something in law enforcement, but could also see becoming a motivational speaker.

“I am not a shy person. Maybe I can be a motivational speaker and tell them that losing a leg at the age of 10 is not the end of the world. At times, I feel like it is, but my family and friends always know how to lift me up. My friends always treat me like one of them. They make me feel like a normal kid.”