Jesus is making big strides on and off the soccer field.
The 16-year-old from Panama never let his limb difference stop him from joining his friends on the field. Even without legs, he found a way to be part of the game, using his arms to move across the ground and pass the ball. Now, after spending several months receiving specialized orthopedic care at Shriners Children's Texas, Jesus is preparing to return home with new prosthetic legs and a chance to experience the game in a whole new way.
Born with bilateral proximal femoral focal deficiency and a congenital deficiency affecting his left leg, Jesus has used prostheses for much of his life. For the past two years, he has traveled from Panama to Shriners Children's Texas to receive treatment.
According to Chief of Staff of Orthopedics Janay McKie, M.D., Jesus arrived with broken prostheses and painful residual tissue that made wearing them difficult. To help improve his comfort and mobility, the orthopedic team performed surgery to remove tissue, molded him for new prostheses and began gait training. For Jesus, the journey has been made easier with the help of his multidisciplinary team.
"Dr. McKie has been really confident in everything," Jesus said. "She’s given me a lot of hope."
He also credits prosthetist Elise Reagan for helping him feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.
"Since I started traveling here, she's been the best," he said.
Working with Elise, Jesus customized his new prostheses with tattoo sleeves that reflect his personality and sense of style.
"I like tattoos and how they look. I wear shorts a lot, and that's why I asked for one," he said.
The design feels like a natural extension of who he is. Jesus enjoys putting together outfits, wearing rings, earrings and watches. His older brother helped inspire his love of accessories and fashion. With a large family back in Panama, Jesus enjoys spending time with his siblings whenever he can.
"We like to go out together, just joking and hanging out together,” he said.
Dr. McKie has been really confident in everything. She's given me a lot of hope.
Throughout his stay, Jesus was often accompanied by his older sister, who joined him at therapy appointments, hospital events and countless moments in between. The pair could frequently be found watching World Cup matches in the patient and family housing facility, where Jesus cheered on teams including Panama, France and Argentina.
For an active teenager who has always loved sports, one of the most exciting parts of rehabilitation was learning to use his new prostheses. Janet Dawson, Jesus' physical therapist, watched him achieve big milestones.
“He can now go up and down two flights of stairs, step over obstacles and walk with one crutch as well as very short distances without an assistive device. He can play volleyball and soccer with crutches and prostheses. Jesus has always been motivated and is such a great kid,” Dawson said.
At one of his final therapy sessions before returning to Panama, Jesus spent time passing a soccer ball before settling in for a card game. As he heads home, he looks forward to spending time with family, cheering on his favorite soccer teams, watching superhero movies, and continuing to explore what life with his new prosthetic legs can make possible. And if there is a soccer ball nearby, chances are he'll be finding a way to play.
