donate icon DONATE

Liam Carries Confidence

Jul 08, 2024

AmazeKids: Liam Carries Confidence

Liam is a competitive wheelchair basketball player born with myelomeningocele, a serious form of spina bifida where the spinal column does not develop and close. As a result, Liam doesn’t have feeling in his legs, from the knee down. Liam’s recent interest in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is a natural fit given practitioners of this art focus on the movements called “ground-rolling”, working to successfully overtake an opponent through learned tactics. Liam’s goal? To become stronger and more experienced in fighting.
View Transcript

Parker:

What's up, Liam?

Liam:

Oh, hey Parker.

Parker:

What you doing?

Liam:

I'm going to Jujitsu.

Parker:

Isn't that like karate?

Liam:

Kind of, but different.

Parker:

You and I know a lot about different, huh? So how'd you get into it?

Liam:

Life has always been a little different being in a wheelchair, but my doctors and nurses at Shriners Children's have always given me the most amazing care to be able to do all of the things I love.

Jujitsu was something I always wanted to try. It's taught me so much about being strong with my mind and my body, and it's given me the confidence to know that I can do whatever I put my mind to.

Parker:

Wow, that's amazing. Speaking of confidence, I can use a little help with my shot. Think you can help me?

Liam:

Yeah. I got you.

Parker:

My man. Come on, let's go.

[Shriners Children's logo; Amazekids logo]

[Shriners Children's logo]

message icon Share Your Story
heart icon Donate
cross icon Pediatric Care We Provide
Compassionate, innovative care that improves the quality of life for children and their families.