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NEED TO KNOW
- Ohio resident Maria Baum, who was born with Williams syndrome, has defied medical odds whereas pursuing ice hockey
- The 22-year-old lady’s dad and mom stated docs as soon as warned she would possibly by no means throw a ball of stroll correctly, however they inspired her to attempt something she wished, together with hockey
- Baum performs recurrently with the Columbus Blue Jackets particular hockey group, and he or she goals to be “the very best participant I will be”
A 22-year-old lady in Ohio, born with a uncommon genetic situation, has defied medical odds — all whereas pursuing her love of ice hockey.
Maria Baum was born with Williams syndrome, a neurodevelopmental dysfunction that’s strongly linked to heart problems, in accordance with native information outlet WBNS TV.
“When she was a child, you understand, she was a failure to thrive [FTT],” her father, Todd Baum, informed the outlet of his daughter’s FTT prognosis. “[Doctors said] she was in want of a coronary heart transplant.”
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“We heard that she would by no means throw a ball. She’d by no means stroll correctly,” he continued.
“It’s traumatic as dad and mom, you understand, as a result of I feel docs are telling you what can occur or the horror tales, and so … you hear what your little one shouldn’t be able to, what they received’t do. However what they don’t let you know is what they will overcome and what they’re able to,” he added.
Todd stated he and his spouse consciously selected to by no means set limitations on Maria, who in the end didn’t require that coronary heart transplant.
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“We’ve at all times informed Maria you are able to do something your brother can do, and her brother was captivated with ice hockey,” he defined. “And after we first moved to city [in Columbus], she stated, ‘I wish to play hockey, too,’ and we occurred to search out the Columbus Blue Jackets particular hockey group.”
“And after we got here out it was only a match made in heaven. She turned out to actually love ice hockey and has been enjoying it ever since,” he added.
Todd — who takes Maria to the rink to play each Saturday — went on to say that he believes he, his spouse and his son have “realized way more from Maria than she’s ever realized from us.”
“The best way she approaches her day, how current she is, how loving she is, what an amazing pal and communicator she is. The best way she simply finds the enjoyment in daily,” he stated.
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As for Maria, she stated she loves all the things about her time enjoying hockey.
“I like that I’ve teammates and my dad, and the helpers assist out, and I actually admire them supporting me and ensuring I can get to my aim,” she stated whereas talking to WBNS TV.
Maria went on to say that she simply desires to be “the very best participant I will be.”