Bryher laughs in the pool.
Bryher goes for a bike ride.
Bryher watches as prosthetist Anna Brown makes adjustments to his prosthetic during a POPS appointment.
Bryher stands as he gets his measurements taken.
Full Speed Ahead: Bryer’s Life Without Limits
Meet Bryher.
They called it the “Choo-Choo Train.” It was a playful routine that usually provided lots of fun for 16-month-old Bryher.
He would get into a wagon and his grandfather would pull it with a riding lawnmower. One day, though, Bryher slipped out of the wagon unnoticed, and he was injured when the mower was put in reverse and backed over him. The accident caused extensive injuries to his lower leg, severing his ankle and growth plate.
Bryher was immediately treated at a hospital in San Antonio, where he spent nearly a month undergoing treatment. The doctors worked to save his foot, successfully restoring blood flow despite the extent of his injuries. As Bryher grew, however, it became clear that saving the foot came with long-term challenges. Without a functional growth plate, his foot became fused and crooked. By the age of 4, after careful consideration, his family made the difficult decision to proceed with an amputation. The surgery, performed at Shriners Children’s Texas, marked a turning point in Bryer’s life.
Since then, Bryher hasn’t slowed down one bit. An energetic and fearless 9-year-old, he embraces life with enthusiasm. He loves to ride bikes with his friends, building and jumping homemade ramps. Bryher confidently rides his bike with his prosthetic leg and is known among his friends for his daredevil antics. He’s also not afraid to show off his bumps and bruises.
A natural swimmer since he was little, Bryer spends a lot of time in the water. Thanks to Shriners Children’s innovative care, he now uses a custom-designed “swimming nub,” crafted from modified materials to protect his injured leg. This simple yet creative solution provided by Shriners Children’s Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) allows him to safely navigate rocky riverbeds and fully enjoy his time in the water.
They’re so considerate and patient. I’ve never felt rushed when we come here. They always take their time and answer every question.
For the POPS department, keeping Bryher on the go is a top priority. “Bryher consistently challenges us to design a prosthesis that is both dynamic and robust enough to keep up with his highly active lifestyle,” said Anna Brown, C/LPO, prosthetist at Shriners Children’s Texas.
“Since he has a longer residual limb, Bryher uses a special posterior mount prosthetic foot that attaches to the back of his socket and allows him to participate in high-impact activities like running and jumping,” said Brown.
Bryher and his mother, Samantha, credit Shriners Children's for his physical progress and for the compassionate approach of the staff.
“They’re so considerate and patient,” said Samantha. “I’ve never felt rushed when we come here. They always take their time and answer every question.”
For Bryher, his prosthetic foot is not a barrier, but a tool to help him accomplish everything he wants to do. Whether it’s taking a swim in the river or making another sweet jump on his bike, Bryher is out there doing what he does best.
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