Born With Severely Underdeveloped Legs — At Three, She Took Her First Steps in a Pair of Rainbow-Colored Prosthetics
Born With Severely Underdeveloped Legs — At Three, She Took Her First Steps in a Pair of Rainbow-Colored Prosthetics
Three-year-old Adalee from Victoria, Texas, has a personality as colorful as the rainbow-colored prosthetic legs she proudly wears.
But her journey toward walking, running and playing began with a rare congenital condition that affected both of her legs before she was born.
Adalee was diagnosed with bilateral fibular hemimelia, a condition in which the fibula, one of the two long bones in the lower leg, is missing or underdeveloped.
In her case, one foot was congenitally absent, while the other had not developed sufficiently to support conventional bracing.
A Rare Condition Affecting Both Legs
Fibular hemimelia is an uncommon congenital limb difference. Having the condition in both legs is even rarer.
For Adalee’s family, the diagnosis meant navigating difficult questions about her future mobility and the treatments that could give her the greatest independence.
When her previous physician left another children’s hospital, the family struggled to arrange timely medical care.
They eventually connected with Shriners Children’s Texas, where pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Cody Sanderson evaluated her condition.
A Difficult Decision for Her Family
The medical team considered reconstructive surgery as one possible treatment.
However, Dr. Sanderson explained that reconstruction in Adalee’s particular case would require multiple operations and lengthy recovery periods.
After discussing the options with her specialists, her family chose amputation and prosthetic care.
It was a major decision, but the goal was clear: to help Adalee move comfortably and participate in the everyday activities of childhood.
A Pair of Rainbow-Colored Legs
With support from the hospital’s Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services team, Adalee began using prosthetic legs.
Her prosthetist, Anna, later fitted her with a new pair decorated in bright rainbow colors.
The moment was about much more than receiving new medical equipment.
Adalee was excited to try them on and immediately wanted to show them to Dr. Sanderson.
During her afternoon appointment, she walked hand in hand with her doctor along the hospital hallway, chatting enthusiastically as they went.
Something She Had Never Been Able to Do Before
Because of her congenital limb differences, Adalee had never previously been able to wear shoes on both feet.
Her new prosthetics changed that experience.
They also helped her walk, run and play alongside other children.
After receiving her new legs, Adalee excitedly announced that she was ready to go to the park.
For her grandmother, Karen, watching the little girl move so confidently was a joyful reminder of her determination.
A Little Girl Ready for Her Next Adventure
When Shriners Children’s published Adalee’s story in November 2025, she was three years old and enjoying an active childhood.
She loved painting, swimming, visiting the beach and playing with her stepbrother.
Her care team expected her to return approximately every six months for new prosthetic legs as she continued growing.
Although her medical journey would involve ongoing adjustments, Adalee was already experiencing greater mobility and independence.
Her rainbow-colored legs had become part of a childhood filled with new possibilities.
Source: Shriners Children’s Texas, November 24, 2025 — The Girl with the Rainbow Legs.
