Born With Differences Affecting Three of His Four Limbs, Baby Zane Began Specialized Treatment at Just Four Months Old

When Zane was born, his family discovered that three of his four limbs had developed differently.

The visible differences affected his left hand and both feet.

Doctors suspected that amniotic band syndrome might have caused the abnormalities, although the exact cause was not definitively established.

For his parents, Kim and Betany, the most important question was how to give their little boy the support he would need to grow, move and enjoy his childhood.

A Diagnosis That Raised Questions About His Future

Amniotic band syndrome can occur when strands of tissue inside the womb become wrapped around parts of a developing baby’s body, potentially affecting the growth of fingers, hands, feet or other limbs.

Although specialists considered this a possible explanation for Zane’s condition, his family did not receive a confirmed cause.

Shortly after his birth, the family’s pastor suggested contacting a local Shriner named Terry.

That recommendation would introduce Zane’s parents to a specialized pediatric medical team.

His First Hospital Visit at Four Months Old

Zane began receiving treatment at Shriners Children’s St. Louis when he was just four months old.

His medical team included specialists from Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services, who evaluated how supportive devices could help him develop mobility and independence.

His parents were encouraged by the team’s approach and decided to continue his care there.

Rather than viewing his limb differences as a reason to limit his activities, the specialists focused on helping Zane participate in the things he wanted to do.

His First Orthotic at One Year Old

When Zane reached his first birthday, he received his first custom orthotic device.

As he grew, the hospital continued adjusting and replacing his equipment to accommodate his changing body and increasingly active lifestyle.

Over the years, Zane became so energetic that he repeatedly wore out or broke his devices.

For his prosthetist, Justin Hall, that was useful information rather than a reason to discourage him.

Each damaged device helped the team understand how to make the next one stronger and better suited to Zane’s needs.

A Special Device Designed to Help Him Run

By November 2025, Zane was using his 13th supportive device.

His current ankle-foot orthotic combined features of a prosthesis and an orthosis.

The dynamic design was intended to store and release energy, supporting his ability to run and participate in demanding physical activities.

His medical team continued refining the equipment as his needs changed.

The Little Boy Who Wants to Play Every Sport

When Shriners Children’s shared his story, Zane was eight years old and loved staying active.

He enjoyed indoor and outdoor soccer, baseball, basketball and golf.

He even dreamed of becoming a professional athlete.

His parents supported those ambitions, encouraging him to explore his interests rather than allowing his congenital differences to define what he could attempt.

The hospital’s photo collection includes an image of Zane as a baby wearing a Kansas City Chiefs jersey, with his limb differences clearly visible.

Other photographs document his first orthotic fitting and his later participation in sports.

For Kim and Betany, those images tell the story of a child whose medical care has evolved alongside his growing confidence, independence and ambitions.

Source: Shriners Children’s St. Louis, November 4, 2025 — From Orthotics to Athletics: How Shriners Children’s Helps Zane Chase His Dreams.