A video clip showing a two-year-old amputee trying out his first few steps using prosthetics has gone viral on social media.
The clip features the adorable Kayden Elijah learning how to walk. Kayden kept saying "I got it! I got it!" all throughout the video. According to his mother Nikki, who uploaded the video on YouTube, Kayden had an omphalocele since birth. This condition is a form of hernia that causes organs to grow out of the child's navel. His omphalocele was not predicted to be as large as it actually was because of a band bound around his legs that resulted to deformities.
"Just to see him be encouraged - and know that everything is possible," Nikki said. "He's determined like any other two-year-old." She first posted the video of her son walking to encourage people. He has always defied expectations. His bladder and liver grew out of his body and a lot of people were pessimistic, warning Nikki that the baby would struggle with health issues from birth deformities later in life.
In January, Kayden's left leg and right foot were amputated. Nikki posted the clip on July 4 but it drew attention when Michael Vick posted the clip on his Facebook page on July 7. It has been shared more than 101,000 times.
Nikki is trying to raise funds for Kayden's medical expenses through GoFundMe, where she has already raised $2,300. She is aiming for $50,000 and posting pictures of the little boy once in a while. Kayden needs the money for his physical therapy visits, prosthetics and braces. He also needs to pay off his outstanding hospital bills. Nikki is planning to publish a book about Kayden's life. She wishes to have him attend a children's camp (for kids with prosthetics) in Atlanta in a few years. Nikki writes on her page that they are faithful and confident that God will make a way for Kayden to have a great life without having to attend special school. Kayden is learning to walk with his walker despite the doctors saying he would not make it, encouraging his mother to terminate the pregnancy.
On Kayden's Facebook page, Temeaka First-Lady Harrell said: "I love him. He is indeed an inspiration for many people fighting their own battles. His video brought tears to my eyes n a wave of so many emotions. He is a strong little boy God Bless Him." A lot of people also said they fell in love with the boy who inspired them with his positivity.
