When Gabe Adams was born in Brazil, he was a special baby. He was born with a condition called Hanhart Syndrome — he had no arms or legs.
As if being born with a deformity isn’t hard enough, his mother abandoned him because of it.
Hanhart Syndrome is an extremely rare condition, and it is still unclear how it is caused. It can cause physical abnormalities in the limbs and can often cause an underdeveloped jaw and/or tongue.
Gabe’s mother was unable to care for him and his rare condition; she decided it was best that she leave him behind. Gabe was abandoned, and word of his story started to spread across the world.
A family in the United States heard Gabe’s story knew they wanted to give Gabe the life he deserved — even though they already had 13 kids, they took him into their home.
It was an easy decision for the family, and they couldn’t be happier about that choice. Gabe is now 17-years-old, and he is absolutely thriving. He can walk, drive, eat, and swim just like any other typical teenager.
In addition to those regular tasks that we take for granted, Gabe can also jump on a trampoline, pour his own milk, and put on his own clothes. All without having any arms or legs — it’s incredible.
“I can do it. I can do it with a smile on my face,” Gabe told KUTV back in 2011. “Because a smile will help everything.”
Ever since Gabe was brought into his family, they did not give him any special treatment just because of his disability. They expected Gabe to participate in all the of the same family activities as the other family members.
This approach on parenting made Gabe grow up with the confidence and ability to do just about everything anyone else can do. They wanted to be sure he was independent.
Gabe does special workouts and exercises to keep him strong enough to lift himself up and use the stairs.
“It’s always been our goal to allow Gabe freedom, and choices, that we know will only come if he can be independent,” says Ron Adams, Gabe’s dad.
Gabe’s special wheelchair is one of the only things that he uses to assist him. It helps him get around school quickly; another place where he is not treated any differently.
Gabe’s story is incredible, and his interview from 2011 below is beyond inspiring. What an amazing kid!
