Finding Freedom Through Music and Movement

Zaid, 14, deals with many of the same issues as other teenagers just starting high school, such as meeting new friends and managing homework and tests.

But throughout his life, he has also faced the challenge of having bilateral clubfoot, a condition that has required ongoing treatment and monitoring since he was a baby.

Born in California, Zaid was diagnosed shortly after birth when his parents noticed that both of his feet were turned inward. His care journey began at Shriners Children’s Southern California, where he underwent early treatment that included Achilles tendon release surgery and serial casting. When the family relocated to Texas, they transferred his care to Shriners Children's Texas, where his treatment continues today.

Although Zaid is quiet and humble, it does not take long to discover his passion for the arts. He is a self-taught piano player who enjoys learning classic songs by artists such as Queen, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder and Johnny Cash. He also enjoys sculpting, sketching and painting, and counts art among his favorite subjects in school.

On a more practical level, some of his biggest goals are not just centered on his hobbies. They are focused on the freedom of being mobile. “I just want to be able to move around more,” Zaid said.

For Zaid, improved mobility means being able to do everyday activities more comfortably, like playing basketball with his friends and being able to run. Those goals have become a central part of the treatment plan developed by his Shriners Children's Texas care team, who work to help him gain function while supporting his growth and development in the least invasive way possible.

The family's experience with clubfoot has inspired them to help others who face similar challenges. Drawing from their treatment journey, Zaid’s father, Zahid, wrote a book detailing the family's experiences, titled Quiet Progress. He also established a non-profit foundation dedicated to supporting children with clubfoot and helping other families access information and resources they need.

As Zaid enters high school, the timing of his treatment is also being carefully considered to help him settle into a new environment and enjoy important milestones alongside his classmates. By tailoring care around both his medical needs and personal goals, the team is helping him navigate adolescence with confidence.

For the family, that patient-centered approach has made a lasting impression. They appreciate the collaboration and the willingness to develop a treatment plan that reflects their son's unique needs and aspirations. At Shriners Children's Texas, every step of his care plan is designed to help him achieve his goals and empower him to pursue the life he wants to live.