From Orthotics to Athletics: How Shriners Children’s Helps Zane Chase His Dreams

Eight-year-old Zane is always on the move.

From the field to the court, he plays sports with heart, hustle and a whole lot of joy. But what makes his journey even more remarkable is what he’s overcome.

Zane was born with a limb difference affecting three of his four extremities, including his left hand, left foot and right foot. While doctors believe amniotic band syndrome may have been the cause, the exact reason isn’t always known. However, this uncertainty has never impacted Zane’s trajectory.

When Zane was born, his family’s pastor recommended they speak with a local Shriner named Terry. Little did they know, Terry would bring them a newfound sense of hope and healing. At Terry’s referral, Zane has been a patient at Shriners Children’s St. Louis since he was just 4 months old, and he hasn’t slowed down since.

“After that first appointment with his care team, including Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services, we never looked back,” said his mom, Kim.

Zane received his first orthotic when he was 1, and he's broken nearly every device our staff has built for him since. Turns out, that's what happens when your care team dares you to go full speed.

“When a device breaks or wears out, it just means the patient is using it to its fullest potential, and I love hearing that. This also gives us feedback on how to make it better or stronger for the future, setting the bar of limitation that much higher each time. We love these kinds of challenges,” said Zane’s prosthetist, Justin Hall, CPO.

Zane’s current ankle-foot orthotic is a hybrid prosthetic and orthotic. “The device is dynamic, which means it bands and stores energy and spring to allow him to run fast and play harder compared to no device at all,” Justin said.

Now on his 13th device, Zane doesn’t let his differences stop him from playing all the sports he loves, including indoor and outdoor soccer, baseball, basketball and golf. An aspiring professional athlete, he hopes to go pro in all of these sports and more.

Knowing Zane has the tools to chase his dreams has meant the world to his moms. “We wanted to ensure Zane didn’t experience unnecessary barriers to doing the things in life he wanted to do, and Shriners just made that happen,” said his mom Betany.

When Kim reflects on all that her son has accomplished so far, her pride shines through: “The sky is the limit for this kid,” Kim said. “He’s only 8, and despite what life has thrown at him, he continues to prove he can do anything he sets his mind to. Shriners Children’s has been a blessing in our lives because they gave Zane the chance to thrive in this world. I’m so proud of him.”

His care team at Shriners Children’s is proud of him, too.

“When Zane says he wants to do something or be something, we are there for it, and so is his care team at Shriners,” said Kim. “Wherever he goes in life, Shriners will be an enormous part of his story.”

Zane received his first orthotic when he was 1, and he's broken nearly every device our staff has built for him since. Turns out, that's what happens when your care team dares you to go full speed.

“When a device breaks or wears out, it just means the patient is using it to its fullest potential, and I love hearing that. This also gives us feedback on how to make it better or stronger for the future, setting the bar of limitation that much higher each time. We love these kinds of challenges,” said Zane’s prosthetist, Justin Hall, CPO.

Zane’s current ankle-foot orthotic is a hybrid prosthetic and orthotic. “The device is dynamic, which means it bands and stores energy and spring to allow him to run fast and play harder compared to no device at all,” Justin said.

Now on his 13th device, Zane doesn’t let his differences stop him from playing all the sports he loves, including indoor and outdoor soccer, baseball, basketball and golf. An aspiring professional athlete, he hopes to go pro in all of these sports and more.

Knowing Zane has the tools to chase his dreams has meant the world to his moms. “We wanted to ensure Zane didn’t experience unnecessary barriers to doing the things in life he wanted to do, and Shriners just made that happen,” said his mom Betany.

When Kim reflects on all that her son has accomplished so far, her pride shines through: “The sky is the limit for this kid,” Kim said. “He’s only 8, and despite what life has thrown at him, he continues to prove he can do anything he sets his mind to. Shriners Children’s has been a blessing in our lives because they gave Zane the chance to thrive in this world. I’m so proud of him.”

His care team at Shriners Children’s is proud of him, too.

“When Zane says he wants to do something or be something, we are there for it, and so is his care team at Shriners,” said Kim. “Wherever he goes in life, Shriners will be an enormous part of his story.”