Born With a Rare Leg Condition, Two-Year-Old Samuel Is Already Taking Big Steps Forward

Two-year-old Samuel from San Salvador, El Salvador, is full of energy. He loves moving around, exploring his surroundings, and keeping the people around him busy. But the journey that brought him to this stage began with a difficult diagnosis shortly after birth.

Samuel was born with a rare condition affecting his right leg. Today, after specialized treatment in the United States and the support of his family and care team, he is learning to move forward with renewed confidence.

A Diagnosis That Changed His Family’s Plans

When Samuel was born, his parents learned that he had fibular hemimelia. This congenital condition occurs when the fibula, the smaller bone on the outer side of the lower leg, is partially developed or missing.

The condition can affect leg length, the development of the foot and ankle, and a child’s ability to stand and walk. For Samuel’s parents, the diagnosis brought uncertainty as they tried to understand what it would mean for their son’s future.

They consulted specialists in El Salvador, who recommended seeking advanced pediatric orthopedic care abroad. Their search eventually led them to Shriners Children’s Texas, where a virtual consultation with orthopedic specialist Dr. Janay McKie helped them explore their options.

Finding Hope in Another Child’s Story

One of the hardest decisions Samuel’s parents faced was whether to proceed with an amputation of his right foot. They wanted to make the choice that would give their son the best opportunity for mobility and independence in the years ahead.

For Samuel’s mother, Delia, hope came from an unexpected source: another young patient named Adalee. Born with fibular hemimelia affecting both legs, Adalee had received treatment and learned to walk and play using prosthetic legs.

Watching Adalee move with confidence helped Delia imagine a future in which Samuel could do the same. Her experience offered the family a powerful example of what might be possible.

Learning to Walk With a Prosthetic Leg

Samuel underwent surgery in December 2025. Several weeks later, he was fitted with a diagnostic prosthesis, an initial prosthetic device used to assess fit and function before a longer-term solution is finalized.

According to Shriners Children’s, Samuel was walking independently within two weeks of receiving the device. His progress was encouraging, especially for a toddler whose favorite activity seemed to be exploring every corner around him.

His prosthetist, Anna Brown, described him as a child who rarely wanted to stop moving. During adjustments to his device, Samuel even received a small wrench so he could pretend to help with the work.

Support Beyond Medical Treatment

Samuel’s progress has involved more than surgery and a prosthetic device. His mother has also found reassurance in the care team and other families they have met during treatment.

Seeing another child with a similar condition reach important milestones helped the family face an unfamiliar journey with greater confidence. Their experience illustrates how connecting with other families can provide encouragement while parents make difficult medical decisions.

Samuel is still growing, and his care team will continue working with him as his needs change. His family is looking forward to his definitive prosthesis while celebrating the movement and independence he has already gained.

A Little Boy With Big Plans

Today, Samuel is known for his energy, curiosity, and determination to keep moving. His journey is still unfolding, but his early progress has given his family reasons to feel hopeful about the road ahead.

His story also reflects the experience of many families navigating rare congenital conditions: finding the right information, seeking specialized care, and learning to celebrate progress one milestone at a time.

Source: Shriners Children’s, “Following in Her Footsteps: Adalee’s Story Gives Samuel Hope for the Future,” March 10, 2026.