These Kids Are My Superheroes Because...
We Should Start Acknowledging More Superhero Kids!
Adam Bender Plays Baseball on One Leg
Adam Bender - plays baseball with only one leg
Adam Bender, 8, is one of several kids who play catcher in Southeastern's rookie league at Veterans Park. What makes Adam stand out is that he plays one of the toughest positions on the field with only one leg. Because of cancer, he had his left leg amputated when he was one. Adam doesn't use a prosthesis, and only uses crutches when he reaches base for the Astros. by Charles Bertram, Lexington Herald-Leader
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Adam Bender's Story
All quotes are directly from this article:
Kid Can Do It All On One Leg
Astros coach Dan Wyse said he went out of his way to get Adam on his team "because he's a good kid, a good catcher, and what he brings attitude-wise, he's an inspiration to everybody."
Michelle Bender appreciates the effect her son has on people young and old.
"Adam has helped other kids see that a person with a disability can be fun to hang out with, and play with, and they can still be a part of a community or part of a team. It's developed the kids' compassion.
"And if he can inspire even one family to allow their kid to try something they normally might not try, that's great."
Rector does motivational speaking and leadership training, and he regularly relates Adam's inspirational story to adults.
"The lesson he teaches is that you need to let talented people with great heart get out there and do their thing," Rector said. "There's no such thing as an insurmountable obstacle for Adam. He's a winner."See video of Adam hitting and playing catcher in a baseball game.
Jason McElwain's Hoop Dream
J Mac - A Hoop Dream
This is the story of Jason McElwain by ESPN - who produced the best piece on this amazing story.
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Jason McElwain's Story
Jason McElwain at a Glance
Category: File - :Bush meets Jason McElwain.jpg|right|280px|thumb|right|Jason McElwain, second from left, shakes hands with President George W. Bush in March 2006.
Jason McElwain, nicknamed "J-Mac" (born October 1, 1988), is an American with autism who made national news in 2006 when he played for four minutes during a high school basketball game and scored twenty points.
McElwain was diagnosed with autism at a young age, he had trouble interacting with other kids, but during his teenage years he began to develop social skills and make friends. McElwain had a passion for basketball, so Greece Athena High School basketball coach Jim Johnson appointed him manager of the team.
On February 15, 2006, Greece Athena was playing Spencerport High School for a division title. Greece Athena got a large lead, so Johnson decided to let McElwain play in the last four minutes. After initially missing two shots, McElwain made six three-point shots and one two-pointer. After the final buzzer rang, the crowd dashed onto the court in celebration.
Brittany and Robbie Bergquist
Started Cell Phones for Soldiers
They started a non-profit organization called Cell Phones for Soldiers. So you're thinking...that's nice...they probably had some car washes and sent a few hundred bucks worth of cell phone to the soldiers.
Well, they did slightly better than that - their registered 501c3 non-profit organization has raised almost $1 million in donations and distributed more than 400,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.
For the complete story, check out this great lens from Shawna Tayler.
A Directory of Child Heroes
Check Out the Directory of Child Heroes
Are These Kids Your Superheroes Too ?
Real Life Kid Heroes (and Heroes for Kids)
Real Life Heroes: A Life Storybook for Children
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009) 
Kid Heroes: True Stories of Rescuers, Survivors, and Achievers
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
If you have any suggestions
for this page
I'm looking for suggestions for more good articles, photos, videos, blog posts, etc about this person. Think of this like the "External Resources" part of a Wikipedia page. What references would you add about my superhero?
JaguarJulie wrote...
An inspiring story about Adam Bender -- he is indeed a superkid and super-inspiration to us all for his strength and courage to overcome his handicap.
Posted June 25, 2008
P.S. I made this lens for the Squidoo Superheroes Project
I was invited to participate in the Squidoo Superhero Project, making 5 lenses in 2 weeks about the people who have inspired me, mentored me, changed the way I look at the world. The people I just want to say a big loud public THANKS to.If you buy anything from this page, you'll automatically (for free, of course) be sending a royalty straight to the Squidoo Charity Fund, which pays out to nonprofits like JDRF and Room to Read and Donors Choose every month.
Shhh... Follow the Squidoo Superheroes Blog!
For tips on making your own Superhero lenses for charity.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byCheck out these other Superhero lenses!
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