Issue link: https://tmcpulse.uberflip.com/i/674404
t m c » p u l s e | m a y 2 0 1 6 23 We try to get our athletes out as much as possible to showcase not only how great they are athletically, but also to show what great people they are. — ANDY STARK NCAA All-Star Coach has been a Shriners patient since he was three years old during which time he has been treated at six Shriners Hospitals. After being born with spinal cancer, doctors gave Emilio only one year to live. It was by chance that he was brought to Shriners. "I had been fighting with doctors for two years about Emilio's condition and nothing was working or making sense," said Cindy Lane, Emilio's mother. "We were golfing one day and a man came up to me and told me to get my son's legs fixed at Shriners. At first I was skeptical, but the next day they ran every test you could think of and they were able to diagnose him with spastic legs and spinal cancer and they came up with an incredible treatment program for him." After 11 years of treatment and being in remission from spinal cancer, Emilio is now 14 years old and is able move independently because of several surgeries on his legs, as well as braces and crutches. Because of this, he had the chance to play basketball with the All-Stars. "I have been playing basketball since I was little, so it was really cool getting to meet all of the players and shoot with them," Emilio said. "It's awesome because they came down here to support us." While most of the All-Stars had never played basketball in wheelchairs, they took to it very quickly and made the games exciting for Shriners patients. Because of the diversity of activities, patients of all ages were able to take their turn playing basketball. "The athletes are way bigger in person than they are on television," said Devin, a patient at Shriners. "It is so cool that they are really out here playing basketball with us in person." After the teams were done dunk- ing, dribbling, shooting and playing around, the All-Stars had lunch with the patients and their families and signed autographs for everyone. "It's great being out here with the patient. They are a great reminder that regardless of your condition or what you are going through, you can always have a smile on your face and have fun," said Wichita State senior basketball player Ron Baker.