If you think that you cannot fully live life in a wheelchair, then you have not met Luke Rainwater! This dynamic nine-year-old lives to the fullest and nothing can hold him back! Luke was born with Spina Bifida in his lower spine, hydrocephalus, scoliosis, and syrinx of his spinal cord all of which have limited his mobility and require him to have 24/7 care to help accomplish activities such as moving from his bed to his wheelchair, tying his shoes, or brushing his teeth. This spunky dude has endured 13 surgeries! Luke also experiences seizures and is smaller in size because of his various conditions, but what he lacks in diminished physical stature he certainly makes up for in his larger than life personality! (Just ask his 480 girlfriends. Oh yes, he is counting.)
When Luke is not painting, coloring, or conducting science experiments, he is an active Miracle League baseball player. He loves to snow ski, water ski, play video games like a typical nine-year-old, and looks forward to watching his “boys” play ball on the weekends. Luke’s “boys” include Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly from the Carolina Panthers, Clemson’s Tanner Muse and Coach Dabo Swinney, and the New York Yankees.
Luke is blessed to be surrounded by his loving family which includes Dad, Mom, and big brother, Noah, and big sister, Emma. Mom, Christie states, “Luke may not play like other children because of his (physical) limitation… but we adapt everything so he can enjoy life.”
To that, we say, “Heck ya!”
