Eric's Story

Eric
Age 12
Mercy Children's Hospital
Spina Bifida

Always up for a challenge, Eric loves skateboarding, golfing and water skiing—activities that might seem impossible for someone who is paralyzed from the knee down. “He doesn’t know the word ‘can’t’ and will attempt to do anything,” says his mom.

Eric has had 20 operations, starting with the closure of his spinal cord when he was just 2 hours old. Born with spina bifida and a clubbed foot, Mercy Children’s Hospital has become like a second home to him.

Eric is an eternal optimist and enjoys serving others, even opening doors for them. Whenever he sees someone else in a wheelchair, he challenges them to race against his sporty wheelchair – custom racing flames lining the back of the seat, red wheels and lights. He’s found the elderly really get a kick out of his enthusiasm, and his performances of his best wheelchair tricks are sure to draw a smile.