Katie and Scott sat anxiously in the ultrasound room, eager to discover if their daughter, Hannah, was going to have a little brother or sister.
Excitement buzzed through the room as they watched the grainy black-and-white image of their baby flicker on the screen. However, as the ultrasound technician’s expression shifted, so did the mood. What began as a joyous occasion quickly took an unexpected turn. Instead of leaving with the simple answer they had come for, Katie and Scott received the news that would change their lives forever: Their baby boy would be born with limb deficiencies.
In an instant, their world changed. Their son, Eli, would be born without his right arm and left leg. The news came as a shock, one for which neither of them was prepared. But despite the uncertainty ahead, they held onto each other, vowing to face whatever came next with strength and love.
Determined to give their son the best life possible, Katie and Scott wasted no time searching for the best care. When Eli was 4 weeks old, their search led them to Shriners Children’s Greenville. Like many unsure but hopeful parents in their situation, they were filled with fear and skepticism, uncertain of what the future held. However, when they met with the care team, they found something profound. "Shriners Children’s was an unbelievable comfort to us,” Scott recalled. “They said, ‘Just love your baby. This is what we do. We’re here for you, and we’ve got you.’"
The overwhelming sense of uncertainty was replaced by comforting clarity. They suddenly had a direction a place where they knew Eli would be cared for with expertise, compassion, and a determination to help him live a full, joyful life. “We went home understanding that what happened to Eli wasn’t so unique that they didn’t know what to do. No, as they said, 'This is what we do, and we've got you,’” Scott explained.
As Eli grew from infancy to toddlerhood and now to a vibrant 10-year-old, so did his incredible progress and resilience. Eli has undergone five surgeries, each one a vital step on his path to mobility and independence. Alongside these surgeries, Eli has had seven different prosthetic legs, each one custom-made as his needs evolved. However, it was the addition of his running blade – "a game-changer," as Scott describes it – that truly transformed Eli’s world. The new prosthetic allows Eli to run faster, move with more speed and endurance, and achieve the dreams he once thought were out of reach.
Shriners Children’s has shown us and him what is possible.
With every stride, Eli’s confidence has soared, and the once-uncertain future is now filled with limitless possibilities. His passion for sports, the cutting-edge technology provided by Shriners Children’s Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services department, and the unwavering support of his family have ensured that Eli isn’t just keeping up with the world around him – he is leading it.
Since age 6, Eli has been an unstoppable force in sports. His love for baseball began early; his passion for the game growing with each swing of the bat. By 7, he had taken up golf, impressing everyone with his precision and focus. But Eli’s adventurous spirit didn’t stop there. He became a fly fisherman, an archer, a skier and a swimmer – each new challenge met with the same tenacity and determination. Whether on the field, the slopes or in the water, Eli approaches every activity with an unstoppable mindset. "His spirit exudes confidence that is hard to put into words," said Scott. “Joy and tenacity,” Katie added. “And with Shriners Children’s, he goes far beyond our dream.”
Eli’s fearlessness isn’t just about physical ability; it comes from a deep-rooted belief in himself. It’s the confidence that no matter his differences, no obstacle can stop him from achieving his dreams. With every new pursuit, Eli continues to show that the possibilities before him are limitless. With each step he takes, every swing of a bat and every cast of a line, Eli continues to redefine what it means to be amazing, “and the care at Shriners Children’s Greenville is helping him get there.”
