For most of his childhood, Miguel relied on his knees and a skateboard to move through the world.
Born with arthrogryposis, a condition that limits joint movement in his arms and legs, Miguel could not walk. But today, thanks to the care he received from the staff at Shriners Children’s Texas, the 10-year-old from Panama is doing something once unimaginable: taking steps on his own, using a walker.
Miguel has been receiving care at Shriners Children’s Texas for the past six months. Since arriving, he and his mother, Andrea, have worked closely with the orthopedics team, who developed a detailed, staged surgical plan to improve Miguel’s lower body alignment and function.
When he was 4, Miguel had his first orthopedic procedure in Panama – a bilateral Achilles tendon lengthening – to help address tightness in his feet. More recently, his treatment in Texas has included complex surgeries to reshape and release muscles and bones in his legs and hips. In April, he underwent surgery on his right leg. In July, a second operation addressed alignment issues on his left side. Three months after that first procedure, Miguel stood up and began walking for the first time.
“From day one, it’s been a wonderful experience,” Andrea said. “All the waiting, the uncertainty – in the end, the treatment has been excellent.”
Therapy has played a major role in Miguel’s recovery. His daily sessions focus on building strength, balance and confidence. With the guidance of physical therapists, he has learned to climb stairs, maneuver ramps, overcome obstacles and take care of everyday tasks like brushing his teeth and combing his hair. These once-difficult movements are now building blocks of independence.
In other hospitals, we had to share rooms and leave to use the shower. Here, it’s comforting to know we have a space that feels like home.
School is another essential part of Miguel’s life at Shriners Children’s Texas. He works one-on-one with the hospital’s schoolteacher, Flor, covering core subjects like reading, science, writing, and, his favorite, math. The fifth-grader also enjoys drawing, painting and dancing. One day, he surprised Flor by giving her a set of portraits he made just for her.
“Miguel is a spitfire – confident, sassy and smart. He has a great sense of humor and can be a trickster,” Flor said, “I think he will accomplish anything he sets his mind to as he continues to grow and learn how to navigate the world upright.”
Despite the ups and downs of surgery and recovery, Miguel remains upbeat. He’s taken part in events like Lemonade Day, Christmas in July and summer celebrations. He even attended a minor league baseball game to cheer on the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. These moments have given Miguel and his mother a chance to connect with other families who are going through similar experiences.
When asked what keeps him smiling, Miguel’s answer is simple: “All of my friendships. That’s what keeps me going.”
Miguel and Andrea are currently staying in the hospital’s new patient housing, just steps from the main entrance. This private space gives them comfort and convenience during outpatient therapy. “It’s excellent,” Andrea said. “In other hospitals, we had to share rooms and leave to use the shower. Here, it’s comforting to know we have a space that feels like home.”
Looking ahead, Miguel has big plans. “When I get home, I’m going to start playing baseball,” he said proudly. Filled with determination, Miguel has a message for other kids going through tough medical journeys:
“Never give up,” he said. “You must stay strong to be able to meet your goals.”
Step by step, Miguel is heading toward a future filled with possibility.
