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Stepping Out

Profile of Christian Barclay

From InsideRHCI, Summer 2007

Christian Barclay is a typical 10-year-old kid. He roots for the Red Sox. Plays soccer and hockey. Loves swimming, sailing and going to the movies. Talks back to his mom when he's tired or cranky.

There's just one difference: Christian was born without legs. But that hasn't stopped him.

"I want to be an astronaut," he says. "And president. And a Navy pilot. I also want to do better in sled hockey," he adds. "I need to learn how to stop and how to turn and score more goals."

Christian's struggle began before birth. A torn amniotic sac produced bands that wrapped around his thighs, preventing the development of his knees and legs. Over the years, with the unwavering support of his mother, Holly, and family, plus the guidance of RHCI therapists, Christian has made steady improvement in his physical skills, confidence and self-esteem.

Christian works on balance with Physical Therapist Dan Biagini.

RHCI physical therapist Dan Biagini has worked with Christian for almost five years. He and Christian are so close "they're just like brothers," says Holly. Using a set of bendable titanium prostheses supplied by Bob Easterbrooks of Atlantic Prosthetics, who works closely with RHCI's therapists, Christian is well on his way.

"His potential is unlimited," Dan says. "Working with Christian over time, we can be flexible and tailor therapy to his changing needs as he grows. He'll be able to do whatever he wants to do."

One thing Christian wants to do is help others. He was 5 when he participated in his first RHCI BoardWALK fund-raiser in 2002. Proceeds help RHCI purchase equipment used for patient care, including equipment for RHCI for Children Eileen M. Ward Rehabilitation Center. He's made every walk since.

In the beginning, though, therapy was hard. "Everything was new and he'd get so tired," says Holly. "He would cry and scream through his sessions, but we worked through it. We weren't going to have any pity parties."

Christian displays his flexibility and strength while Holly looks on.

Holly, a teacher at Riverview School in Sandwich, praises RHCI's approach with Christian. "They've been great," she says. "As a parent, sometimes your kids stop listening to you. They need to hear it from someone else. Dan's been special that way. Some days, I bring Christian to his rehab appointment and leave. I need to get out of their way. The therapists really listen to him."

Still, Holly helps her son through the awkward times. Sometimes, when mother and son head to the beach for a swim, people murmur and stare.

"We just laugh," she says. "That's the best way to get through most things in life."