At 18 weeks pregnant and eagerly anticipating the birth of her baby girl, Mindy, Zoe’s mom, was informed that something looked concerning. Zoe was missing her lower left forearm and hand. “Boy, was I scared,” said Mindy. “I wanted my baby to be ‘perfect’ like every mommy does.”
Researchers estimate that about one in every 1,900 babies in the United States is born with a limb deficiency. Children born with a limb deficiency often face various difficulties depending on the location and size of the limb reduction – such as needing assistance with daily activities and limitations with certain movements, sports or activities.
I asked myself how she would put on her shirt, brush her hair or her teeth. In my mind, I didn’t think she’d be able to do anything, and I was really scared.
Then, Mindy found refuge at Shriners Children’s Greenville. With an in-house rehabilitation department, as well as Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services, Zoe receives wraparound care for all of her orthopedic needs.
“Zoe quickly learned how to be more independent,” said Mindy. Utilizing specialized adaptive devices made in our POPS department, Zoe learned how to ride a bike and do a cartwheel. On the second floor of Shriners Children’s Greenville, you may find Zoe working with occupational therapists, teaching her how to adapt to daily living: how to brush her teeth and hair, and how to get dressed.
“They taught her how to make the impossible possible, but most importantly, they’ve taught Zoe how to be a leader,” said Mindy.
As a Patient Ambassador, Zoe enjoys attending events on behalf of the hospital, telling her story and giving thanks to the organizations that gave her the tools to “just be a kid.”
“Shriners Children’s and Shriners everywhere have lifted such a weight off our shoulders,” Mindy said. “We receive the best care and are surrounded by people who encourage and teach her how to live her best life.”
Now 8, Zoe enjoys playing adaptive golf with two adaptive youth teams: the Never-Say-Never-Foundation and the North American One-Armed Golfer Association. “We always give thanks to Shriners Children’s because when you walk through those doors, you no longer have to worry.”
Zoe smiles big as she prepares to get on the course for the Georgia State Golf Association.
Zoe practicing her swing at the driving range.
Zoe smiles big, holding her new adaptive piece so she can ride a bike for the very first time.
Thankful for the care she received, Zoe made it her mission to collect Shriners International (the Shriners Children’s founding organization) pins from Shriners around the world.
