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Ed Yeates ReportingA wheelchair bound Utah boy with a rare disabling disease shouldn't be swimming, but somehow, he is! It's the product of not only his determination, but an instructor who wouldn't give up.
Eight-year old Easton Hofheins has what is called Arthrogryposis. Though there are 200 forms of the disease, not many have it. In fact, geneticists say the type he has is labeled number 201, not yet officially identified.
The joints on these kids are locked in a fixed position. Muscles also have not fully developed. This said, you would expect Easton just goes to the poolside to watch others swim, but it's not so.
He's a fish in water and it's been this way since he started taking therapy sessions from Liz Eagan when he was three-years old.
Liz Eagan, Hydrotherapist: "That confidence has helped him grow as a person, has given him that self esteem that he needs. This is something he outshines most eight-year olds. Most eight-year olds are not as safe in the water as he is."
Roll, dive, swim to the bottom of the pool. Despite his disability, his torso is building strength.
Leslie Hofheins, Mother: "He keeps getting stronger and stronger the more he swims and it's allowed his muscles to grow and gain strength."
From ribbon dinosaurs tied on his feet so he could kick them out of the water to a made-up washing machine, Liz Eagan tries everything that works.
Liz Eagan: "The one right arm is capable of going back and forth, so we had a washing machine going. So we washed the clothes, washed the dinosaurs. And then his body, his body naturally has that dolphin, that undulation."
Joe Hofheins, Father: "I think she's amazing. I think a lot of his personality has come from this."
And what about Easton himself? This gives him freedom, makes him just like everybody else. Well, let him say it.
Easton Hofheins: "So I can be free because I can be everybody else in the water."
Easton's goal? He wants to walk.
Last week Easton's therapist was given the Utah Parent Center Innovation of the Year Award for her creativity in working with the disabled.
