With Confidence and Determination Kyson is Swinging for the Fences

Around this time nine years ago, we shared the remarkable story of two-and-a-half-year-old Kyson. In 2012, his parents, Jaryl and Stephanie received the unexpected news at their 18-week ultrasound that their fourth son had Myelomeningocele Spina Bifida, an open lesion on the back that affects the brain and spine. Faced with difficult decisions, they opted to move forward with a new and very risky in-utero fetal surgery with no guarantees of what the outcome would be.

As you can see, Kyson is growing up and is now 11 years old and will start middle school this year. His parents share that their brave boy still has a heart of gold who examines life through the lens of compassion, grace, and perseverance. “We often hear from others that Kyson is one of the most compassionate, loving, and happiest children they have ever met. He always has a smile on his face and regardless of the circumstances, he gives 110% to everything he does.” His “can do” attitude extends to the recreational activities he participates in, especially baseball. Earlier this summer, Kyson was hit directly in the spine by a ball but refused to be carried off the field only accepting a helping hand as he walked to the dugout. Thankfully, he was okay, and after some initial fear, he told his parents he was getting back on that field regardless of what they had to say about it. And he did, just a few weeks later.

The family credits Capper Foundation and now retired physical therapist, Kim Coker, whom they call an “angel on earth” for providing them the knowledge and resources during the most critical time of Kyson’s development as well as the confidence to know what to advocate for. “She helped us to tune out the extra noise of distraction and focus on developing his skills at HIS level and need, not anyone else’s. From the beginning of his time at Capper, Kim modeled to Kyson that through hard work, he could accomplish any goal he set his mind to.” At ages three and four, those goals included throwing a ball, crawling up a slide, and eventually walking independently. More recently, Kyson has used that same determination to successfully learn to ride a bicycle without assistance.

“Know that when you support Capper Foundation, you are supporting kids just like Kyson. Capper Foundation is a place to learn, grow, and explore. We believe with our whole hearts that Kyson’s determination and confidence started with programs just like this one. Consider supporting or continuing to support these programs so that these children will have what they need to show the world that they are important too.” – Jaryl & Stephanie, Kyson’s parents

To read the full newsletter in which this story was published, click here.

To watch Kyson’s Story which was produced for An Evening for a Child in 2015, click here. 

Baseball Photo Credit: Chelsi Simpson Photography