DMN: Team Micah Stays by Family's Side

DMN Feature Article
Saturday, December 30, 2006

Garland firefighters come running for boy with spinal birth defect

By MIKKI KIRBY / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News
Michelle Diffee watched a video on YouTube and applied it to the realities of her life.
Ms. Diffee was inspired by the story of a man who started running marathons in honor of his son who has multiple sclerosis.
"His thought was just because his son can't run doesn't mean other people can't run for him," Ms. Diffee said.
She decided to do the same for her 2-year-old son, Micah. She, her husband, Jon, and a dozen friends participated in Wellstone's Dallas White Rock Marathon this month.
Mr. Diffee's co-workers – Garland firefighters Steve Brown, Joe Clark, Phillip Crawford, Andrew Edmondson and Lonnie Green – formed a relay team and wore yellow Team Micah T-shirts.
Micah has a rare birth defect, Caudal regression syndrome, which has left him without the bottom third of his spine. He has sensation in his legs and feet but can't use them. He uses a stand-up wheelchair for mobility.
His mother describes Micah as fearless, just like his father's colleagues.
"You would never know Micah goes through what he goes through," said Mr. Clark. "Ever since he was tiny he's been outgoing. I don't think I've ever seen him without a smile on his face, to tell you the truth."
Micah forces his boundaries. Recently he learned to walk on his hands and climb stairs. He drives a four-wheeler with a thumb throttle. He demands to do things on his own and has impressive problem-solving skills for a 2-year-old, his mother said.
When they can, the firefighters partner with the Diffees to improve the quality of Micah's life.
"A lot of times we can't help financially, but we'll get in there and do what we can," Mr. Brown said. The Diffees "are a true inspiration. You just can't get them down. They are always moving forward."
In September 2003, Mr. Diffee went into day surgery to relieve pain from a broken shoulder blade and suffered a stroke during the procedure. Co-workers organized a schedule to have at least one firefighter by Mr. Diffee's side at all times during his hospital stay. About 30 of them pitched in.
Through the trials and tribulations, the Diffees have found strength in a close group of friends. As firefighters, Mr. Diffee and his co-workers spend about a third of their lives together.
"These guys get so involved," Ms. Diffee said. "They are always doing something athletic and always looking for ways to support us."
Team Micah raised more than $5,000 from the race, which benefited Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. The hospital has been instrumental in improving Micah's life. By the new year, the Diffees hope to have a custom-made sit-down wheelchair provided by the hospital.
Micah receives treatment at Scottish Rite, where he spends a lot of his time. During his visits he always has 4-year-old brother Tanner by his side and the spirit of his father's colleagues in his heart, his mother said.
Mikki Kirby is a freelance writer in Dallas.