How This Young Paralyzed Boy’s Dream of Joining the Maine Golf Team Came True

Joining the school golf team sounds pretty straightforward, right? You have to be determined, practice hard, and try out. But for 12-year-old Kellan Tilton, it seemed impossible.

Kellan is permanently paralyzed and in a wheelchair. His dream of playing golf with his friends felt out of reach, until now.

Last night, there was a report on News Center Maine about young Kellan, and it had me in tears. It reminds us all to believe in miracles and the incredible support of the human spirit.

According to the story, Kellan had a cancerous tumor on his spine as a baby, which resulted in him becoming completely paralyzed from the waist down.

But it didn't stop Kellan from wanting to enjoy sports like all of his buddies at school.

Thanks to a specifically-designed golf cart with a joystick for movement and a button that stands him upright to swing his golf club, he can now play golf.

Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation recently acquired two of these carts. "This is top-notch, modernized equipment that takes it to the next level," said Brandon Merry from Maine Adaptive Sports and Rec.

Brandon wants to eliminate barriers so people can focus on the game, not their limitations.

Below is the story from News Center Maine via YouTube.

Kellan's dream has become a reality.

"It makes me really happy that I can come out here and not just be some kid that uses a wheelchair and sits at home," Kellan said.

With tears in his eyes, Brandon said, "It keeps me going, seeing someone like Kellan able to get out and just...."

The Maine Adaptive Sports and Rec is...

...a free adaptive sports program providing people with disabilities the opportunity to alpine and Nordic ski, snowboard, and snowshoe in the winter and golf, paddle, climb, cycle and play tennis in the summer.

This is what life is all about. The connection with others and using your abilities and resources to help them. By doing so, you may not realize that you’re making their dreams come true.

The simple joy of a young boy participating in a sport is something everyone should experience. Kellan now feels part of a team, embracing the support around him to achieve anything possible.

Pure magic!

Learn more about all the wonderful things that Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation does!