A go-to favorite for him is cycling. Not long after learning how to ride a bike, Christian joined a local nonprofit called Adventure for All (AFA), an all-inclusive adventure program focused on enhancing the skills and confidence for athletes of all abilities. His first competitive race with AFA was in 2022, where he took on a gravel course in Lincoln, Nebraska. He completed it after two hours and 45 minutes of riding, and vowed to return to Gravel Worlds this fall to do it all again. On August 26, Christian did just that. He finished his first ever 7-mile gravel bike race, traveling over a total of 11 plus hours to the finish line where his family and supporters embraced him.
Christian is also a trained ballroom dancer. He started taking lessons when he was 11, and now he is hooked. Today, Christian enjoys being a part of the Junior Dance Competition team for his studio, Dynasty Dance Clubs. He has won numerous first-place awards competing in the solo and rhythm categories, and most notably the Top Junior Couples Award at the 2018 Florida Classic Series ballroom competition. Christian’s big sister, Madyson, is also an accomplished ballroom dancer, so they often pair up together for performances.
When he is not competing, Christian enjoys playing video games and mastering his Kendama abilities. Kendama is a Japanese skill toy that can be held in different grips with an endless amount of skill combinations. Christian likes showcasing the tricks he has learned over the years, and has been known to encourage bystanders to get in on the fun.
As a Patient Ambassador, Christian has participated in commercials and photoshoots that have been used system-wide for Shriners Children’s social media marketing and national giving campaigns. He has also attended and performed at various fundraising events, earning standing ovations for his ballroom routines. Yet, his favorite thing about his ambassador role is the opportunity he has to further his public speaking skills while also being an advocate for others.
“Raising awareness about scoliosis is very important to our family because the condition is not always immediately visible,” Kerri said. “We just want other families to remember there is always hope, and thanks to the team at Shriners Children’s, they are not alone.”
More About POPS
Shriners Children’s POPS designs, fits and manufactures orthotics and prosthetics for children, from infants to teenagers to young adults. These devices – including shoe inserts, braces and artificial limbs (both arms and legs) – provide the support children need to meet their full potential and pursue their dreams. For more information on POPS and how to schedule an appointment, please call 800-237-5055 today.
