Zane sprints down the soccer field, the strut of his orthosis reacting under the force of every step. Later, he’s on the basketball court, taking jump shots and weaving past defenders, pushing his custom device to its limits and sometimes beyond. Across the country, David grips a video game controller in a way that’s uniquely his own, adapting to webbing between his fingers with the same ingenuity that helps him navigate daily life.
Soccer, baseball, basketball — Zane is set to tackle every sport he can!
For both Zane and David, the path hasn’t been about limits — it’s been about possibilities. At Shriners Children’s, they discovered more than medical care: They found a team that encourages curiosity, celebrates individuality and builds tools strong enough to keep up with their exceptional determination.
Full speed ahead
Born with a limb difference affecting both legs and one arm, 8-year-old Zane is breaking barriers — and orthoses — as he tackles every sport he loves. From indoor and outdoor soccer, to baseball, basketball and golf, there’s nothing off limits for this aspiring professional athlete.
“When Zane says he wants to do something or be something, we are there for it, and so is his care team at Shriners Children’s,” says his mom Kim.
Zane received his first orthosis from Shriners Children’s St. Louis when he was just 1 and he’s broken nearly every device the staff has built for him since. Turns out, that’s what happens when your care team dares you to go full speed. It’s a venture fully supported by the Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) team at Shriners Children’s, where they encourage their patients to just be kids.
“Zane is one of the most active patients I work with, and his determination inspires constant innovation. Every time he pushes his device to its limits, he challenges me to make it even better so he can continue reaching his goals,” says Zane’s prosthetist, Justin Hall, CPO.
Now on his 13th device, Zane continues to keep our POPS team busy as he reaches new milestones.
“When a device breaks or wears out, it just means the patient is using it to its fullest potential, and I love hearing that. This also gives us feedback on how to make it better or stronger for the future, setting the bar that much higher each time. We love these kinds of challenges,” says Justin.
Knowing Zane has the tools to chase his dreams as an athlete has meant the world to his moms. “We wanted to ensure Zane didn’t experience unnecessary barriers to doing the things in life he wanted to do, and Shriners Children’s made that happen,” says his mom Betany.
Zane’s current Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) is a hybrid prosthesis and orthosis. “The device is dynamic, which means it bends and stores energy and spring to allow him to run fast and play harder compared to no device at all,” Justin says.
He’s fully equipped to tackle his goal of becoming a professional athlete, one step at a time.
“Wherever he goes in life, Shriners Children’s will be an enormous part of his story,” says Kim.
Confidence within his grasp
Born with webbing between his fingers due to amniotic band syndrome, David grew up adapting to the world in his own way whether tying his shoes, gripping a water bottle or mastering video game controllers. At Shriners Children’s Northern California, he found not only specialized care for his condition, but a community that encouraged him to embrace his uniqueness with confidence.
David, left, watches as a camper engages in a dexterity game at Camp Winning Hands. As a counselor, he helped campers embrace new challenges while sharing their experiences and celebrating every achievement.
David’s journey with Shriners Children’s began at age 1 under the care of Michelle James, M.D., then chief of orthopedics. Throughout his childhood, Dr. James and her team followed his development, offering care and guidance as he learned to navigate daily life. At 13, David chose to have surgery to release the webbing between his thumb and finger. “The difference was worth it. Little things, like grabbing a water bottle, became easier,” he said.
David and Dr. James formed a bond that deepened over time, especially after they discovered a shared love of running. “We’d talk about trails, and Dr. James even encouraged me when I tackled a mountain run,” David said.
The following summer, David experienced something truly life-changing: Camp Winning Hands. This one-of-a-kind program, run by Shriners Children’s Northern California and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, brings together kids with hand and upper limb differences to connect, learn and build confidence.
“Before camp, I knew other people had hand differences, but I still felt alone,” David said. “Then I got to Camp Winning Hands, and suddenly I was surrounded by kids who just understood.”
The camp’s “teen talk” sessions were especially meaningful. “That’s where we could ask uncomfortable questions and share experiences. For the first time, I felt completely understood.”
Now, David has come full circle, returning to camp as a counselor. “This year’s camp was extra special,” he said. “Seeing these kids realize they’re not alone — that’s why this place matters.”
Yuen Leung, Camp Winning Hands assistant director and Shriners Children’s nurse, witnesses that transformation every year. “The confidence they gain lasts long after camp ends,” Yuen said.
Today, David is 24, works in the federal government and is an avid gamer, having taught himself to compete at an elite level by adapting his grip on the controller.
Reflecting on his journey, David credits Shriners Children’s Northern California and Camp Winning Hands for giving him much more than medical care. “They gave me my confidence, my community and now the chance to pay that forward,” he said. “Every kid deserves to feel that kind of belonging.”
