Kieran S, age 14
Photograph by Emily Barnes (2022)
Kieran has a gift for storytelling. He devours books and is full of creativity and imagination. He is an amazing writer who, at just 15, has already sold some of his work and has multiple projects in the works at any given time. This past year, he adapted a book his class was reading into a play and a film. He is understanding, insightful, and wise beyond his years.
Kieran’s journey with cerebral palsy has been far from easy, but that hasn’t stopped him from staying committed to accomplishing his goals. He has made progress that surprised his family and doctors, such as starting to walk when he was told he would be in a wheelchair permanently by age 20. His mom is immensely proud of him, not only for these accomplishments, but for who he is as a person. Though Kieran has gone through a lot, it has shaped him into the unique, resilient, strong, and caring person he is today.
“All of the moments I have had the pleasure of sharing with Kieran have been ‘proud parent’ moments,” his mom says. “He is such an incredible person, and he surprises and delights me every single day, just by being himself.”
Kieran tiene un don para contar historias. Devora libros y está lleno de creatividad e imaginación. Es un escritor increíble que, con sólo 15 años, ya ha vendido algunas de sus obras y tiene varios proyectos en marcha en cualquier momento. El año pasado, adaptó un libro que estaba leyendo su clase en una obra de teatro y una película. Es comprensivo, perspicaz y sabio más allá de su edad.
El viaje de Kieran con parálisis cerebral no ha sido nada fácil, pero eso no le ha impedido seguir comprometido con la consecución de sus objetivos. Ha hecho progresos que han sorprendido a su familia y a los médicos, como empezar a caminar cuando le dijeron que a los 20 años estaría en una silla de ruedas de forma permanente. Su madre está inmensamente orgullosa de él, no sólo por estos logros, sino por lo que es como persona. Aunque Kieran ha pasado por muchas cosas, eso le ha convertido en la persona única, resistente, fuerte y cariñosa que es hoy.
“Todos los momentos que he tenido el placer de compartir con Kieran han sido momentos de ‘padre orgulloso’”, dice su madre. “Es una persona increíble, y me sorprende y deleita cada día, simplemente siendo él mismo”.
Family Connection of South Carolina provides services and resources to families who have a child with a disability or specialized healthcare need. Since 1990 we have served more than 100,000 families and today our services are needed more than ever. We focus on parent-to-parent support, guidance with navigating the complex healthcare system, and assistance with school meetings and special education plans.