Service and leadership have always been more than just something I do, it's become who I am. My community involvement journey began when Variety Children's of Greater Kansas City stepped into my life and changed it. Because of my dwarfism, I was unable to ride a typical bike. At this time my family was facing significant financial challenges that made a custom bike not an option. Variety had one made for me! I didn't just give me the opportunity to ride a bike, but showed me how kindness, inclusion, and opportunity can change someone. I became involved with Variety on a deeper level and committed to helping others, especially those who are underserved. Over the past ten years, I have been a part of raising over eight million dollars to support inclusive opportunities for kids in Kansas City by raising money to provide kids with adaptive equipment and communication devices, building adaptive playgrounds and sports fields, providing sensory resources in movie theaters and major sports venues, giving input on adaptive renovations and changes to professional spots venues, and were integral in taking access to a new level at the new Kansas City Airport. These inclusion opportunities and devices help open a world that is not always accessible to someone with a disability. I addition to raising funds and creating opportunity, I have used my voice and personal experiences to help others understand why inclusion matters. Being part of an amazing organization has helped me understand how inclusion transforms communities. These projects weren’t just about kids playing, they were about belonging and ALL kids playing together. Seeing kids play freely in spaces designed for them has been amazing. It has allowed a place for all kids to play and better understand each other. Being a part of Variety started out as an opportunity to impact others and has truly become a community wide inclusion revolution. Variety Kansas City has also shown me that community commitment is about much more than time, it’s about impact, representation, and changing perceptions. From speaking engagements to meeting families just beginning their journey, I’ve seen how one act of generosity can open doors, create inclusion, and have a domino effect of kindness. Much of my service involves advocacy and awareness. I carry the responsibility not just to represent myself, but to leave people better than I found them. As I move into college, I plan to continue serving through advocacy, mentorship, and involvement with organizations that promote inclusion in athletics and communities. I intend to stay connected with Variety KC while also seeking new opportunities to support adaptive sports and accessibility initiatives on campus. I plan to study finance and pursue a career in professional athletics, where I hope to make an impact at a corporate level. My goal is to help organizations win and operate well, while also investing intentionally in programs, and outreach that benefit individuals and families with disabilities. Variety KC showed me how one organization can change a city and a life. Service will always be part of who I am. I want to continue paying forward what I was given and honoring the lessons taught to me by Variety KC: lead with gratitude, work hard, and make room for everyone. That original bike wasn’t just a gift; it was an invitation to live generously. Because someone invested in me, I learned that volunteering and serving others have the power to change lives.

Service and leadership have always been more than just something I do, it's become who I am. My community involvement journey began when Variety Children's of Greater Kansas City stepped into my life and changed it. Because of my dwarfism, I was unable to ride a typical bike. At this time my family was facing significant financial challenges that made a custom bike not an option. Variety had one made for me! I didn't just give me the opportunity to ride a bike, but showed me how kindness, selflessness, and opportunity can change someone. I became involved with Variety on a deeper level and committed to helping others, especially those who are underserved. Over the past ten years, I have been a part of raising over eight million dollars to support inclusive opportunities for kids in Kansas City by raising money to provide kids with adaptive equipment and communication devices, building adaptive playgrounds and sports fields, providing sensory resources in movie theaters and major sports venues, giving input on adaptive renovations and changes to professional spots venues, and were integral in taking access to a new level at the new Kansas City Airport. These inclusion opportunities and devices help open a world that is not always accessible to someone with a disability. I addition to raising funds and creating opportunity, I have used my voice and personal experiences to help others understand why inclusion matters. Being part of an amazing organization has helped me understand how inclusion transforms communities. These projects weren’t just about kids playing, they were about belonging and ALL kids playing together. Seeing kids play freely in spaces designed for them has been amazing. It has allowed a place for all kids to play and better understand each other. Being a part of Variety started out as an opportunity to impact others and has truly become a community wide inclusion revolution. Variety Kansas City has also shown me that community commitment is about much more than time, it’s about impact, representation, and changing perceptions. From speaking engagements to meeting families just beginning their journey, I’ve seen how one act of generosity can open doors, create inclusion, and have a domino effect of kindness. Much of my service involves advocacy and awareness. I carry the responsibility not just to represent myself, but to selflessly leave people better than I found them. As I move into college, I plan to continue serving through advocacy, mentorship, and involvement with organizations that promote inclusion in athletics and communities. I intend to stay connected with Variety KC while also seeking new opportunities to support adaptive sports and accessibility initiatives on campus. I plan to study finance and pursue a career in professional athletics, where I hope to make an impact at a corporate level. My goal is to help organizations win and operate well, while also investing intentionally in programs, and outreach that benefit individuals and families with disabilities. Variety KC showed me how one organization can change a city and a life. Service will always be part of who I am. I want to continue paying forward what I was given and honoring the lessons taught to me by Variety KC: lead with gratitude, work hard, and make room for everyone. That original bike wasn’t just a gift; it was an invitation to live generously. Because someone invested in me, I learned that volunteering has the power to change lives.

Service and leadership have always been more than just something I do, it's become who I am. My community involvement journey began when Variety Children's of Greater Kansas City stepped into my life and changed it. Because of my dwarfism, I was unable to ride a typical bike. At this time my family was facing significant financial challenges that made a custom bike not an option. Variety had one made for me! I didn't just give me the opportunity to ride a bike, but showed me how kindness, inclusion, and opportunity can change someone. I became involved with Variety on a deeper level and committed to helping others, especially those who are underserved. Over the past ten years, I have been a part of raising over eight million dollars to support inclusive opportunities for kids in Kansas City by raising money to provide kids with adaptive equipment and communication devices, building adaptive playgrounds and sports fields, providing sensory resources in movie theaters and major sports venues, giving input on adaptive renovations and changes to professional spots venues, and were integral in taking access to a new level at the new Kansas City Airport. These inclusion opportunities and devices help open a world that is not always accessible to someone with a disability. I addition to raising funds and creating opportunity, I have used my voice and personal experiences to help others understand why inclusion matters. Being part of an amazing organization has helped me understand how inclusion transforms communities. These projects weren’t just about kids playing, they were about belonging and ALL kids playing together. Seeing kids play freely in spaces designed for them has been amazing. It has allowed a place for all kids to play and better understand each other. Being a part of Variety started out as an opportunity to impact others and has truly become a community wide inclusion revolution Variety Kansas City has also shown me that community commitment is about much more than time, it’s about impact, representation, and changing perceptions. From speaking engagements to meeting families just beginning their journey, I’ve seen how one act of generosity can open doors, create inclusion, and have a domino effect of kindness. Much of my service involves advocacy and awareness. I carry the responsibility not just to represent myself, but to leave people better than I found them. As I move into college, I plan to continue serving through advocacy, mentorship, and involvement with organizations that promote inclusion in athletics and communities. I intend to stay connected with Variety KC while also seeking new opportunities to support adaptive sports and accessibility initiatives on campus. I plan to study finance and pursue a career in professional athletics, where I hope to make an impact at a corporate level. My goal is to help organizations win and operate well, while also investing intentionally in programs, and outreach that benefit individuals and families with disabilities. Variety KC showed me how one organization can change a city and a life. Service will always be part of who I am. I want to continue paying forward what I was given and honoring the lessons taught to me by Variety KC: lead with gratitude, work hard, and make room for everyone. That original bike wasn’t just a gift; it was an invitation to live generously. Because someone invested in me, I learned that volunteering has the power to change lives.

Twelve years ago, something happened that changed my life. I was gifted a custom bike from Variety KC. I was just a kid, but I still remember how it felt, like someone truly saw me and wanted to give me the opportunity to be like every other kid. That bike was the start of what would become a huge part of my life. Since then, I’ve been all in with Variety KC. I’ve spent the past 12 years raising awareness and helping however I can. Whether it’s through golf tournaments, fundraisers, playground openings, meeting with sponsors, or the Variety Show, I’ve tried to give back to the organization that gave me so much. I’ve met incredible people, shared my story, and even encouraged other families who were just starting their journey with Variety. I feel lucky to be an ambassador and do my part to represent what Variety KC stands for and further its mission. One of the coolest things I’ve been part of was the very first adaptive ballpark built in Kansas City. It wasn’t just about baseball, it was about making sure every kid, no matter what challenges they face, has a chance to play. Since then, I’ve seen more adaptive playgrounds and even professional stadiums follow that example. It’s amazing to know I played a role in something that’s helping so many kids be included and has changed the landscape in Kansas City for kids with disabilities. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about what generosity really means. That bike, it wasn’t just a gift. It was an open door to amazing experiences and opportunities. And because of that, I’ve always tried to give back. Not just because I feel thankful, but because I want other kids to feel the same joy and have the same opportunities I have had. As I move into the college environment, I plan to continue using my time, energy, and leadership to expand opportunities for individuals in the disability community. My goal is not only to succeed academically and professionally, but also to demonstrate what is possible regardless of the circumstances one is given. Financial challenges my family faced in the past have limited their ability to contribute significantly to my education. Although they are on a better path today, they can only assist on a limited basis. As a result, I will be self-funding most of my education. I currently work two part-time jobs and am actively seeking scholarships, work study positions, and merit-based awards to help reach my goal.

I have achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. While many people see this as limitations, for me it is opportunity. My stature may be small, but it has pushed me to develop confidence and a strong sense of purpose. Living with achondroplasia have required me to adapt to environments not built for me and has taught me to advocate for myself. Instead of allowing these challenges to hold me back, I have learned to exceed expectations and find solutions. Often others are my biggest barriers. I have learned to show up well and use my presence and attitude to quietly change preconceived judgments. My disability has shaped me and have taught me that barriers do not define potential. I love sports; however my disabilities have limited my ability to participate in many. Golf has been the exception. Although my challenges are both visible and real, I have found a way to overcome them. Short limb length limits power, swinging junior size clubs limits driving ability, short limb length and joint laxity make walking the course painful. I typically take twice as many steps as my competitors and walk at a much slower pace. My hearing loss adds another layer, making it harder to hear instructions, conversations, or coaching. It would have been easier to let these obstacles prevent me from playing, but instead they have taught me how to adapt and control what I can. I have adapted my shorter clubs to maximize my strength, walk the shortest distance for the situation, and rest by sitting on the wheel of my pull cart when possible. Most of all I have developed the skill of keeping my mental game positive and focused. I also understand what it feels like to be underestimated. Human nature often makes quick assumptions. On the golf course, as in life, I have been able to quietly show others what it looks like to handle adversity well and refuse to quit. I have built genuine relationships with my competitors. By the end of most tournaments, the same players who often “size me up”, are offering encouragement and respect. Competing with integrity has allowed me to show others that assumptions can be replaced with understanding. This same principle has been true in life. Refusing to let assumptions define me, yet finding solutions and adaptations to my disability, shows others what is truly possible. I plan to build on the foundation and lessons the great game of golf have shown me. Showing up, adapting, and impacting others in the process are game changers today and in my future.

I have achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. While many people see these as limitations,its an opportunity. My stature may be small, but it has pushed me to develop confidence and a strong sense of purpose. Achondroplasia has required me to adapt to environments and advocate for myself. Often others are my biggest barrier. I have learned to show up well and use my presence and attitude to quietly change judgments. My disability has shaped me and have taught me that barriers do not define potential. I also understand what it feels like to be underestimated. Human nature often makes quick assumptions. Through life experiences, I have been able to quietly show others what it looks like to handle adversity and refuse to quit. Facing situations with integrity has allowed me to show others that assumptions can be replaced with understanding. One of the defining moments of my life happened when I received a custom adaptive bike. Because of my Achondroplasia, riding a bike was impossible. A local children’s charity (Variety Children’s Charity) stepped in and had one made for me. For the first time, I could ride instead of watching from the sidelines. That bike was not just mobility, it was inclusion. That experience led me to become deeply involved , where I have since helped raise over eight million dollars to support children in Kansas City with disabilities. It opened my eyes to what it is to be the recipient of someone else’s kindness and generosity. I serve as an ambassador by speaking at events,media appearances, meeting with donors, and fundraising. Variety has provided mobility equipment and communication devices to hundreds of kids. We have also built adaptive playgrounds, adaptive baseball/soccer fields, and added accessibility to our professional stadiums. What started as a simple gift has empowered me to help others and shape my view of generosity. I plan to take the many lessons and opportunities that have shaped me into my next chapter. However, financial obstacles (medical costs, cancer diagnosis, business challenges) have limited my parents ability to contribute. As a result, I will be largely self-funding my education. I currently work two part-time jobs and am saving as much as possible to make my goal of education achievable.

I have achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. While many people see these as limitations,its an opportunity. My stature may be small, but it has pushed me to develop confidence and a strong sense of purpose. Living with achondroplasia have required me to adapt to environments and have taught me to advocate for myself. Instead of allowing these challenges to hold me back, I have learned to exceed expectations and find solutions. Often others are my biggest barrier. I have learned to show up well and use my presence and attitude to quietly change preconceived judgments. My disability has shaped me and have taught me that barriers do not define potential. I love sports; however my disability has limited my ability to participate. Golf has been the exception. I have found a way to overcome many of the challenges. Short limb length limits power, swinging junior size clubs limits driving ability, short limb length and joint laxity make walking the course painful. I typically take twice as many steps as my competitors and walk at a much slower pace. It would have been easier to let these obstacles prevent me from playing, but instead they have taught me how to adapt and control what I can. I have adapted my shorter clubs to maximize my strength, walk the shortest distance for the situation, and rest by sitting on the wheel of my pull cart when possible. Most of all I have developed the skill of keeping my mental game positive and focused. I also understand what it feels like to be underestimated. Human nature often makes quick assumptions. On the golf course, as in life, I have been able to quietly show others what it looks like to handle adversity well and refuse to quit. I have built genuine relationships with my competitors. By the end of tournaments, the same players who often “size me up”, are offering encouragement and respect. Competing with integrity has allowed me to show others that assumptions can be replaced with understanding. One of the defining moments of my life did not happen on the golf course, it happened when I received a custom adaptive bike. Because of my Achondroplasia, riding a bike was impossible and my family could not afford a custom bike. A local children’s charity (Variety Children’s Charity) stepped in and had one made for me. For the first time, I could ride instead of watching from the sidelines. That bike was not just mobility, it was inclusion. That experience led me to become deeply involved with the charity, where I have since helped raise over eight million dollars to support children in Kansas City with disabilities. It opened my eyes to what it is to be the recipient of someone else’s kindness and generosity. Variety has changed the landscape of inclusion in Kansas City. I serve as an ambassador by speaking at events,media appearances, meeting with donors, and fundraising. Variety has provided mobility equipment and communication devices to hundreds of kids. We have also built adaptive playgrounds, adaptive baseball/soccer fields, and added accessibility to our professional stadiums. What started as a simple gift has empowered me to help others and shape my view of generosity. I plan to take the many lessons and opportunities that have shaped me into my next chapter. However, financial obstacles (medical costs, cancer diagnosis, business challenges) have limited my parents ability to contribute. As a result, I will be largely self-funding my education. I currently work two part-time jobs and am saving as much as possible to make my goal of education achievable.

I have achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. While many people see these as limitations,its an opportunity. My stature may be small, but it has pushed me to develop confidence and a strong sense of purpose. Living with achondroplasia have required me to adapt to environments and have taught me to advocate for myself. Instead of allowing these challenges to hold me back, I have learned to exceed expectations and find solutions. Often others are my biggest barrier. I have learned to show up well and use my presence and attitude to quietly change preconceived judgments. My disability has shaped me and have taught me that barriers do not define potential. I love sports; however my disability has limited my ability to participate. Golf has been the exception. I have found a way to overcome many of the challenges. Short limb length limits power, swinging junior size clubs limits driving ability, short limb length and joint laxity make walking the course painful. I typically take twice as many steps as my competitors and walk at a much slower pace. It would have been easier to let these obstacles prevent me from playing, but instead they have taught me how to adapt and control what I can. I have adapted my shorter clubs to maximize my strength, walk the shortest distance for the situation, and rest by sitting on the wheel of my pull cart when possible. Most of all I have developed the skill of keeping my mental game positive and focused. I also understand what it feels like to be underestimated. Human nature often makes quick assumptions. On the golf course, as in life, I have been able to quietly show others what it looks like to handle adversity well and refuse to quit. I have built genuine relationships with my competitors. By the end of tournaments, the same players who often “size me up”, are offering encouragement and respect. Competing with integrity has allowed me to show others that assumptions can be replaced with understanding. One of the defining moments of my life did not happen on the golf course, it happened when I received a custom adaptive bike. Because of my Achondroplasia, riding a bike was impossible and my family could not afford a custom bike. A local children’s charity (Variety Children’s Charity) stepped in and had one made for me. For the first time, I could ride instead of watching from the sidelines. That bike was not just mobility, it was inclusion. That experience led me to become deeply involved with the charity, where I have since helped raise over eight million dollars to support children in Kansas City with disabilities. It opened my eyes to what it is to be the recipient of someone else’s kindness and generosity. Variety has changed the landscape of inclusion in Kansas City. I serve as an ambassador by speaking at events,media appearances, meeting with donors, and fundraising. Variety has provided mobility equipment and communication devices to hundreds of kids. We have also built adaptive playgrounds, adaptive baseball/soccer fields, and added accessibility to our professional stadiums. What started as a simple gift has empowered me to help others and shape my view of generosity. I plan to take the many lessons and opportunities that have shaped me into my next chapter. However, financial obstacles (medical costs, cancer diagnosis, business challenges) have limited my parents ability to contribute. As a result, I will be largely self-funding my education. I currently work two part-time jobs and am saving as much as possible to make my goal of education achievable.

I have achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. While many people see these as limitations,its an opportunity. My stature may be small, but it has pushed me to develop confidence and a strong sense of purpose. Living with achondroplasia have required me to adapt to environments and have taught me to advocate for myself. Instead of allowing these challenges to hold me back, I have learned to exceed expectations and find solutions. Often others are my biggest barrier. I have learned to show up well and use my presence and attitude to quietly change preconceived judgments. My disability has shaped me and have taught me that barriers do not define potential. I love sports; however my disability has limited my ability to participate. Golf has been the exception. I have found a way to overcome many of the challenges. Short limb length limits power, swinging junior size clubs limits driving ability, short limb length and joint laxity make walking the course painful. I typically take twice as many steps as my competitors and walk at a much slower pace. It would have been easier to let these obstacles prevent me from playing, but instead they have taught me how to adapt and control what I can. I have adapted my shorter clubs to maximize my strength, walk the shortest distance for the situation, and rest by sitting on the wheel of my pull cart when possible. Most of all I have developed the skill of keeping my mental game positive and focused. I also understand what it feels like to be underestimated. Human nature often makes quick assumptions. On the golf course, as in life, I have been able to quietly show others what it looks like to handle adversity well and refuse to quit. I have built genuine relationships with my competitors. By the end of tournaments, the same players who often “size me up”, are offering encouragement and respect. Competing with integrity has allowed me to show others that assumptions can be replaced with understanding. One of the defining moments of my life did not happen on the golf course, it happened when I received a custom adaptive bike. Because of my Achondroplasia, riding a bike was impossible and my family could not afford a custom bike. A local children’s charity (Variety Children’s Charity) stepped in and had one made for me. For the first time, I could ride instead of watching from the sidelines. That bike was not just mobility, it was inclusion. That experience led me to become deeply involved with the charity, where I have since helped raise over eight million dollars to support children in Kansas City with disabilities. It opened my eyes to what it is to be the recipient of someone else’s kindness and generosity. Variety has changed the landscape of inclusion in Kansas City. I serve as an ambassador by speaking at events,media appearances, meeting with donors, and fundraising. Variety has provided mobility equipment and communication devices to hundreds of kids. We have also built adaptive playgrounds, adaptive baseball/soccer fields, and added accessibility to our professional stadiums. What started as a simple gift has empowered me to help others and shape my view of generosity. I plan to take the many lessons and opportunities that have shaped me into my next chapter. However, financial obstacles (medical costs, cancer diagnosis, business challenges) have limited my parents ability to contribute. As a result, I will be largely self-funding my education. I currently work two part-time jobs and am saving as much as possible to make my goal of education achievable.

I have achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. While many people see these as limitations,its an opportunity. My stature may be small, but it has pushed me to develop confidence and a strong sense of purpose. Living with achondroplasia have required me to adapt to environments and have taught me to advocate for myself. Instead of allowing these challenges to hold me back, I have learned to exceed expectations and find solutions. Often others are my biggest barrier. I have learned to show up well and use my presence and attitude to quietly change preconceived judgments. My disability has shaped me and have taught me that barriers do not define potential. I love sports; however my disability has limited my ability to participate. Golf has been the exception. I have found a way to overcome many of the challenges. Short limb length limits power, swinging junior size clubs limits driving ability, short limb length and joint laxity make walking the course painful. I typically take twice as many steps as my competitors and walk at a much slower pace. It would have been easier to let these obstacles prevent me from playing, but instead they have taught me how to adapt and control what I can. I have adapted my shorter clubs to maximize my strength, walk the shortest distance for the situation, and rest by sitting on the wheel of my pull cart when possible. Most of all I have developed the skill of keeping my mental game positive and focused. I also understand what it feels like to be underestimated. Human nature often makes quick assumptions. On the golf course, as in life, I have been able to quietly show others what it looks like to handle adversity well and refuse to quit. I have built genuine relationships with my competitors. By the end of tournaments, the same players who often “size me up”, are offering encouragement and respect. Competing with integrity has allowed me to show others that assumptions can be replaced with understanding. One of the defining moments of my life did not happen on the golf course, it happened when I received a custom adaptive bike. Because of my Achondroplasia, riding a bike was impossible and my family could not afford a custom bike. A local children’s charity (Variety Children’s Charity) stepped in and had one made for me. For the first time, I could ride instead of watching from the sidelines. That bike was not just mobility, it was inclusion. That experience led me to become deeply involved with the charity, where I have since helped raise over eight million dollars to support children in Kansas City with disabilities. It opened my eyes to what it is to be the recipient of someone else’s kindness and generosity. Variety has changed the landscape of inclusion in Kansas City. I serve as an ambassador by speaking at events,media appearances, meeting with donors, and fundraising. Variety has provided mobility equipment and communication devices to hundreds of kids. We have also built adaptive playgrounds, adaptive baseball/soccer fields, and added accessibility to our professional stadiums. What started as a simple gift has empowered me to help others and shape my view of generosity. I plan to take the many lessons and opportunities that have shaped me into my next chapter. However, financial obstacles (medical costs, cancer diagnosis, business challenges) have limited my parents ability to contribute. As a result, I will be largely self-funding my education. I currently work two part-time jobs and am saving as much as possible to make my goal of education achievable.

I have achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. While many people see these as limitations,its an opportunity. My stature may be small, but it has pushed me to develop confidence and a strong sense of purpose. Living with achondroplasia have required me to adapt to environments and have taught me to advocate for myself. Instead of allowing these challenges to hold me back, I have learned to exceed expectations and find solutions. Often others are my biggest barrier. I have learned to show up well and use my presence and attitude to quietly change preconceived judgments. My disability has shaped me and have taught me that barriers do not define potential. I love sports; however my disability has limited my ability to participate. Golf has been the exception. I have found a way to overcome many of the challenges. Short limb length limits power, swinging junior size clubs limits driving ability, short limb length and joint laxity make walking the course painful. I typically take twice as many steps as my competitors and walk at a much slower pace. It would have been easier to let these obstacles prevent me from playing, but instead they have taught me how to adapt and control what I can. I have adapted my shorter clubs to maximize my strength, walk the shortest distance for the situation, and rest by sitting on the wheel of my pull cart when possible. Most of all I have developed the skill of keeping my mental game positive and focused. I also understand what it feels like to be underestimated. Human nature often makes quick assumptions. On the golf course, as in life, I have been able to quietly show others what it looks like to handle adversity well and refuse to quit. I have built genuine relationships with my competitors. By the end of tournaments, the same players who often “size me up”, are offering encouragement and respect. Competing with integrity has allowed me to show others that assumptions can be replaced with understanding. One of the defining moments of my life did not happen on the golf course, it happened when I received a custom adaptive bike. Because of my Achondroplasia, riding a bike was impossible and my family could not afford a custom bike. A local children’s charity (Variety Children’s Charity) stepped in and had one made for me. For the first time, I could ride instead of watching from the sidelines. That bike was not just mobility, it was inclusion. That experience led me to become deeply involved with the charity, where I have since helped raise over eight million dollars to support children in Kansas City with disabilities. It opened my eyes to what it is to be the recipient of someone else’s kindness and generosity. Variety has changed the landscape of inclusion in Kansas City. I serve as an ambassador by speaking at events,media appearances, meeting with donors, and fundraising. Variety has provided mobility equipment and communication devices to hundreds of kids. We have also built adaptive playgrounds, adaptive baseball/soccer fields, and added accessibility to our professional stadiums. What started as a simple gift has empowered me to help others and shape my view of generosity. I plan to take the many lessons and opportunities that have shaped me into my next chapter. However, financial obstacles (medical costs, cancer diagnosis, business challenges) have limited my parents ability to contribute. As a result, I will be largely self-funding my education. I currently work two part-time jobs and am saving as much as possible to make my goal of education achievable.

I have achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. While many people see this as limitations, for me it is opportunity. My stature may be small, but it has pushed me to develop confidence and a strong sense of purpose. Living with achondroplasia have required me to adapt to environments not built for me and has taught me to advocate for myself. Instead of allowing these challenges to hold me back, I have learned to exceed expectations and find solutions. Often others are my biggest barriers. I have learned to show up well and use my presence and attitude to quietly change preconceived judgments. My disability has shaped me and have taught me that barriers do not define potential. I love sports; however my disabilities have limited my ability to participate in many. Golf has been the exception. Although my challenges are both visible and real, I have found a way to overcome them. Short limb length limits power, swinging junior size clubs limits driving ability, short limb length and joint laxity make walking the course painful. I typically take twice as many steps as my competitors and walk at a much slower pace. My hearing loss adds another layer, making it harder to hear instructions, conversations, or coaching. It would have been easier to let these obstacles prevent me from playing, but instead they have taught me how to adapt and control what I can. I have adapted my shorter clubs to maximize my strength, walk the shortest distance for the situation, and rest by sitting on the wheel of my pull cart when possible. Most of all I have developed the skill of keeping my mental game positive and focused. I also understand what it feels like to be underestimated. Human nature often makes quick assumptions. On the golf course, as in life, I have been able to quietly show others what it looks like to handle adversity well and refuse to quit. I have built genuine relationships with my competitors. By the end of most tournaments, the same players who often “size me up”, are offering encouragement and respect. Competing with integrity has allowed me to show others that assumptions can be replaced with understanding. This same principle has been true in life. Refusing to let assumptions define me, yet finding solutions and adaptations to my disability, shows others what is truly possible. I plan to build on the foundation and lessons the great game of golf have shown me. Showing up, adapting, and impacting others in the process are game changers today and in my future.

I have achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. While many people see this as a limitations, for me its an opportunity. My stature may be small, but it has pushed me to develop confidence and a strong sense of purpose. Living with achondroplasia has required me to adapt to many environments and has taught me to advocate for myself. Instead of these challenges holding me back, I have learned to exceed expectations and find solutions. Often others are my biggest barriers. I have learned to show up well and use my presence and attitude to quietly change preconceived judgments. My disabilities have shaped me and have taught me that barriers do not define potential. I love sports; however my disabilities have limited my ability to participate in many. Golf has been the exception. Although my challenges are both visible and real, I have found a way to overcome them. Short limb length limits power, swinging junior size clubs limits driving ability, short limb length and joint laxity make walking the course painful. I typically take twice as many steps as my competitors and walk at a much slower pace. My hearing loss adds another layer, making it harder to hear instructions, conversations, or coaching. It would have been easier to let these obstacles prevent me from playing, but instead they have taught me how to adapt and control what I can. I have adapted my shorter clubs to maximize my strength, walk the shortest distance for the situation, and rest by sitting on the wheel of my pull cart when possible. Most of all I have developed the skill of keeping my mental game positive and focused. I am often underestimated. Human nature often makes quick assumptions. On the golf course, as in life, I have been able to quietly show others what it looks like to handle adversity well and refuse to quit. I have built genuine relationships with my competitors. By the end of most tournaments, the same players who often “size me up”, are offering encouragement and respect. Competing with integrity has allowed me to show others that assumptions can be replaced with understanding. This same principle has been true in life. Refusing to let assumptions define me, yet finding solutions and adaptations to my disability, shows others what is truly possible. One of the defining moments of my life did not happen on the golf course, it happened when I received a custom adaptive bike. Because of my Achondroplasia, riding a bike was impossible,A local children’s charity (Variety Children’s Charity) stepped in and had one made for me. For the first time, I could ride instead of watching from the sidelines. That bike was not just mobility, it was inclusion. That experience led me to become deeply involved with the charity, where I have since helped raise over eight million dollars to support children in Kansas City with disabilities. Variety has changed the landscape of inclusion in Kansas City. I have served as an ambassador by speaking at events, participating in media appearances, meeting with donors, and fundraising. Through these efforts, Variety Children’s Charity has provided mobility/sports equipment and to hundreds of kids. We have also built adaptive playgrounds, adaptive baseball and soccer fields, and added accessibility to our professional stadiums. What started as a simple gift has allowed me to help other kids be active, be social and belong. My goal is to continue to to expand opportunities for individuals in the disability community to experience the same sense of hope, confidence and possibility. And of course, continue with the great game of golf!

To me, service is a gift, a gift that is meant to be shared. I first understood the true power of that gift when Variety Children’s Charity, a local Kansas City organization, stepped in and donated a custom bike to me. Because of my Dwarfism, I was unable to ride a standard bike. At the time my family was facing tremendous financial challenges that made having a custom bike made for me impossible. Variety’s act of generosity changed and impacted my life forever. Receiving that bike did more than give me mobility, it completely reshaped how I viewed service and serving others. I realized how one act of kindness could open doors, change my views on helping others, and create opportunity. Since that day, I have stayed involved with the Variety Children’s Charity over the last 10 years and have had the privilege of giving back in a meaningful way. I have helped raise over 8 million dollars to support other kids. What once was a gift to me has become a passion within me. It has helped shape the person I am today. Helping generate these financial gifts has changed inclusion in unbelievable ways in Kansas City. We have provided adaptive playgrounds, baseball fields, soccer fields, provide sensory packs at local movie theaters, adapted multiple professional stadiums in Kansas City, adapted the Kauffman Performing Arts Center, taken ADA accommodations to a new level at our new airport, all well still providing necessary equipment directly to kids in need. Giving my time, my voice, and my heart to help all give all Kansas City kids the opportunity to be active, be social, and belong. I’ve carried this mindset of service into every part of my life, including school. I have served as class treasurer for two years and class president for one. I have also served as National Honor Society Treasurer. These roles have allowed me to support my peers and even younger students in our school. Whether organizing events, helping problem solve, or simply being a reliable and dependable leader, I’ve learned that serving others brings a joy and sense of purpose that nothing else can match. The bike that was kindly donated to me more than a decade ago continues to impact who I am. I hope to consistently use every opportunity, big or small, to spread the same joy and encouragement that Variety gave me. My goal is simple: to make others feel the same fullness, hope, and possibility that service brought into my life. This simple gift of service is a gift that impacts others and continues to profoundly affect lives.