Age: 10
Hometown: Portland, OR
Diagnosis: Mucopolysaccharidosis type IV A (MPS IVA)
Shoe: Nike Air Max Plus
Sergio had only been in the womb for four months when doctors discovered that he would face a lifetime of medical challenges.
Sergio was diagnosed with Mucopolysaccharidosis type IV A (MPS IVA), an extremely rare metabolic disorder that primarily affects development of the skeletal system. To help straighten his back, Sergio had surgery to place a metal rod along his spine. He’ll also need infusion therapy for the rest of his life.
As serious as this all sounds, Sergio prefers to look on the bright side. “Now I’m partly made out of metal!” he said proudly. He also loves showing off his hypermobile joints and makes it a point to stay as active as he can.
While Sergio’s disease makes him look a little different, he thinks that being different is awesome and designed his custom Nike Air Max Plus for those who feel the same. The black shoe is dedicated to his love of video games, while the rocket ship headed to Mars is a nod to his dad Marcelino’s nickname.
On the white shoe, you’ll find a monster lizard enjoying a pizza slice against a vibrant New York skyline. Basketballs on the tongue reflect Sergio’s love of the sport, and those colorful holes on the outsole represent buttons on his video game controller.
To express his gratitude to the medical team that saved his life, Sergio plans to pay it forward by becoming a doctor someday.
“I want to be a surgeon so I can tell people not to worry because I have the tools to fix them,” he explained.
Sergio also has a bit of advice for other young patients going through a tough time.
“Never give up, because the strength you need to survive is already inside you,” he smiled.
“A hero always has your back and never leaves your side – just like my family.”
