Diego: Passion for Extreme Sports
The Shriners Hospital in Mexico has been fundamental in Diego's formation, both physically and emotionally. These stepping stones have made him into the successful young man he is today.
Diego's story begins when his parents noticed that one of his leg was different, so they decided to find an orthopedist. At that visit his family learned about Shriners Hospitals for Children.
When Diego turned 3, he had his first appointment at the hospital. After a medical assessment, it was determined that the best option for him was to amputate his leg below the knee, as this would help him have a better quality of life.
After the surgery, it was necessary to wait for six months in order to adapt a prosthesis, for which other procedures were needed. “During my stay at the Mexico Shriners Hospital they treated me very well, pampered me and had a lot of patience.”
During that period, Diego began to practice a sport that has given him great satisfactions, BMX (Bicycle MotoCross), and still practices it! It is a discipline of cycling that is practiced on a cross-type bicycle.
Thanks to being able to receive his prosthesis, Diego continues to take part in this sport, has won medals and became a high performance athlete, training three times a week in the gym and four times a week on the track.
I am 19 years old, I study physical therapy, I have a girlfriend and a very normal life.
“Being part of this great family made me feel protected, safe and cared for, and this positively affected my safety and acceptance. Knowing that I was not the only child with a disability, being aware that the entire medical team was there for me and that they would always look for the best alternative to solve the issues that might arise throughout my development, allowed me to gain self-confidence to do what I dreamed of, to be active and develop normally,” said Diego.
Diego explained that it was thanks to the support he received from the Mexico Shriners Hospital that he had a happy and normal childhood that allowed him to become what he is today, a 19-year-old guy who practices the sport he loves, studies physical therapy like he always dreamed, has a girlfriend who he loves very much, and also is able to be a person with a normal life like any other.
“That's why I have nothing left to do but eternally thank all the staff at this wonderful hospital for giving me, and to all the children they care for, one more chance in life,” concluded Diego.
