Meet Xavier.
Before the age of 4, he underwent a double leg amputation, losing one leg just before his third birthday and the other a year later. Now 11, Xavier is a bright and determined fifth-grader who refuses to let anything slow him down.
Xavier has been a patient at Shriners Children’s Texas since he was 2 years old, receiving the personalized care needed to address his specific needs. His mother, Rebecca, recalls the struggle of searching for the best place to find care for Xavier. “When we were deciding what to do, we tried a few other places, but it felt like an assembly line – like we were objects," she said. "Shriners Children’s is there for you, it's a lot more friendly.”
Xavier’s intelligence shines in everything he does. He is passionate about math, video games and cutting-edge technology in artificial intelligence (AI), and is eager to learn and explore new concepts. Currently, he is taking a weekend coding class, where he is learning how to build an app. His curiosity and love for problem-solving fuel his excitement for technology and AI.
When we were deciding what to do, we tried a few other places, but it felt like an assembly line – like we were objects. Shriners Children’s is there for you, it's a lot more friendly.
Despite his physical challenges, Xavier is an active child who enjoys playing soccer during recess at school. His love for the sport drives his ambition to eventually join a soccer team. Recently, he received a new pair of prostheses from the Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) department at Shriners Children’s Texas. His new “stompers” – disc-shaped attachments at the bottom of his legs in place of regular-looking feet – provide him with additional mobility and stability, allowing him to engage in physical activities with greater ease.
Xavier’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability and the impact of the specialized care he receives at Shriners Children’s. With the support of his family, the dedicated team from POPS and his unstoppable spirit, Xavier continues to push boundaries and succeed. Whether he’s coding an app or running across the playground chasing a soccer ball, Xavier embodies his determined belief that he can achieve anything he sets his mind to.
