For Dallas, that moment meant so much more than just running; it was the result of years of hard work and determination. Born with clubfoot, Dallas had his first amputation when he was just 3 years old. While this early surgery helped him gain mobility, his journey was far from over. As Dallas grew, the challenges multiplied, requiring further surgeries and eventually a life-changing decision.
Growing up, Dallas was always drawn to athletics, eagerly joining activities like swimming, baseball, football and soccer. Despite his limited mobility, he pushed through, even though, as his mom Susan said, “He was not running and barely keeping up.” His love for the game remained, but with each growth spurt, his prosthetic became more challenging to manage, and his condition worsened. By high school, Dallas was using a wheelchair, walker and fixator. The possibility of running felt farther away than ever.
After countless conversations and many hard days, Dallas made the difficult decision to undergo a second amputation, removing his left leg from below the knee. Orthopedic surgeon Kenneth P. Powell M.D., reassured him, advising that it was the best path forward. “During the time I had the external fixator, there were a lot of emotions I was processing. It was a very dark place,” Dallas said. Yet, with his family’s encouragement, he decided to keep fighting. His father, who had been battling throat cancer, motivated him, saying, “Dallas, we’re going to fight together.”
When I first used my prosthetic, I was running up and down the street each night, building my strength up.
After the amputation, the results were immediate. The first time Dallas tried on his running prosthetic, he was overwhelmed: “I was in shock. I had never run before. When I first used my prosthetic, I was running up and down the street each night, building my strength up.” As they drove home from Shriners Children’s Shreveport with the prosthetic, Dallas turned to his mom with newfound determination. “Mom, I got what I wanted. I’m ready to play football and get back out there. I feel like I’ll be able to do something this time.”
Returning to football was a huge hurdle for Dallas, but conquering it became his most rewarding triumph. He trained relentlessly, building strength and confidence with his new prosthetic. By the start of the school season, he was ready. “My first game back was full of emotion,” he said, still shocked that he was able to make a difference on the field. With unwavering support from his teammates and coaches, Dallas went on to make several tackles throughout the season.
“This community, this school – they rallied around him,” Susan said, “and that support will push any kid.”
His dad also found strength in his son’s resilience, telling him, “If you can keep pushing, I can keep pushing.” As Susan said, “Dallas really inspires us to fight.”
As a parent, Susan has learned that every child deserves the chance to pursue their dreams. “I hope that someone out there can hear our message to encourage their children,” she said. “If they want to be on the cheerleading team, or if they want to play football, encourage them to do that. Dallas truly encourages me in my life.”
Throughout his journey, Dallas has kept one goal at the center: inspiring others. “I want to encourage kids to do whatever they set their minds to,” he said. “No matter how hard the situation is, just keep pushing.” Now in his sophomore year at high school, Dallas is looking forward to his future and dreams of scoring his first touchdown. In times of doubt, he leans on his mother’s advice: “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do – show them what you can.”
Dallas meets University of Kansas college football player Bryce Cabeldue during the East-West Shrine Bowl media day.
Dallas with several college football players at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Dallas alongside other Shriners Children's Patient Ambassadors.
