10-Year-Old Double Leg Amputee Proves Nothing Can Hold Him Back
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Like most 10-year-old boys, Zach Harrell enjoys various sports like soccer, tennis, swimming, and even surfing. But he proudly claims that baseball is his favorite because he loves the thrill of sprinting around the bases despite wearing two prosthetic legs.
When Zach was born, his parents, Clint and Lauren, feared the challenges he would face. He was diagnosed with a rare condition called thrombocytopenia-absent-radius (TAR) syndrome. Lauren shared with ABC7 News that they were taken aback when they learned about his condition post-birth. Initially, her thoughts were filled with concern about everything he might miss out on as he grew up.
But Zach quickly proved to his parents that he wouldn’t let anything stop him.
Clint remarked to ABC7 News that Zach is relentless and doesn’t hold back. He simply “goes and goes.”
Zach has been collaborating with his physical therapist, Trevor Watson, for the past four years at TIRR Memorial Hermann – The Woodlands in Shenandoah, Texas. They focus on activities like sprinting and baseball, often inventing games to enhance Zach’s growth and mobility. Watson observed that Zach doesn’t seem like someone who has faced significant challenges in life, noting that his attitude is always optimistic; Zach believes that if it’s possible, then he can do it, too.
When Zach was just two years old, he and his family became involved with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). He not only competes in events but also raises funds to support adaptive athletes who need prosthetics and wheelchairs for basketball, which insurance may not cover.
Beyond his passion for sports, Zach is also active in the arts, taking part in school plays and signing up for the school band as a drummer.
In the past, he has also been a source of support for new amputees. His mother describes his inspiring nature, sharing that Zach has been called upon to engage and play soccer with others, uplifting their spirits and demonstrating that life continues beyond their struggles.
Zach told ABC7 News that he feels he’s making a difference by motivating others. And he always reminds other individuals living with limb loss that the more time they spend using prosthetics, the more manageable it becomes.
Through his involvement in and love for sports and the arts, Zach not only overcomes personal challenges but also becomes a ray of hope for others facing similar circumstances. Zach is not just proving to the world what’s possible; he’s redefining it for all who have the privilege to witness his journey.
