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On July 31 of this year, dozens of the nicest cars in Utah came to the Born 4 Fast car show and toy drive, all in support of Sebastian Perez and his efforts to help hospitalized children in Salt Lake City.
The turnout was excellent. The cars were a hit and Garage Grill in Draper was a gracious host. Most importantly, a trailer full of toys was donated to Salt Lake City Shriners Hospital, along with cash and other items.
Why did so many car owners, enthusiasts and local businesses show up to support such a cause? Sebastian Perez. This 12-year-old boy with a magnetic personality has inspired thousands of other people to give as he does. He is an example to everyone, looking outward despite his physical challenges.
Living with osteogenesis imperfecta
While Sebastian was putting on the show in Draper, he did so with a broken leg. Not one to seek attention or recognition, Sebastian didn't make his pain known. "It's all about the kids. I'm so happy to be here with all the sponsors to benefit the kids at Shriners," he said.
Born with a genetic disorder known in the medical community as osteogenesis imperfecta, Sebastian has soft, brittle bones. Yet he lives life as boldly as anyone, despite the physical fragility he encounters each day. Each step he takes must be carefully measured and planned, broken bones being the consequence of a stumble or misstep.
Since he was six months old, Sebastian has been a frequent patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children in California and Utah. Sebastian visits the Salt Lake City Shriners Hospital twice a year. His condition requires the expertise of the Utah physicians to make sure he is growing as he should. Having broken more than 100 bones in his short life, he's grateful for their excellent care.
"I was born with it, you know? There's no cure right now, but hopefully, someday there will be. For now, I just try and enjoy life as much as I can," he said.
An optimistic attitude through difficult challenges
Meeting Sebastian, it's evident that not much can get him down. He radiates positivity and with 13,600 Instagram followers, his joyful example spreads far.
"I don't see him affected at all. He can't play sports like his friends, but he's happy. He finds his things to do and brings him joy. Our main goal for our kids is to have a happy life no matter what their situation is, and Sebastian does this," said his mom, Evelia. "If I had to count how many times I've seen him sad or angry, it's been maybe five times in his life. He's amazing."
Sebastian has found that complaining about his circumstances doesn't help him feel better, but focusing on the simple blessings of life does.
"If you're being mean when you're mad or feeling sad all day in your room, it's not going to help you. Just go outside and take a breath. You're on a beautiful planet. See the sunset coming through your window. It's all good," he said.
Giving back
When Sebastian was young, the worry and anxiety that came with waiting for surgery and treatment were real for him. Toys and other distractions provided by the medical staff got him through those difficult times.
"I think it's enjoyable to see kids smile, but really, I do what I do because no matter what the kids are going through, they know they may have to get surgery … and they may not want to do it. But when a doctor would come in with Legos or other toys, it would distract me and I would feel better. That's why I do it."
Sebastian's desire to encourage other children to keep fighting and maintain a positive attitude led him to start Born 4 Fast. The charity brings local car communities together and benefits patients at Shriners Hospitals.
"We've done a lot of these toy drives with different car groups in Utah and California. We go back and forth a lot between the two, and we hope to come to other states soon," Sebastian said. "One of the earliest events was a rally in Los Angeles. I thought it would be small, but it was flooded with cars. It was crazy. We raised over $7,000 at that rally for Shriners Hospital in Los Angeles."
Justin Wallace, the founder of auto enthusiast group 80 Eighty, is a good friend and supporter of Sebastian. Speaking to Sebastian's drive and generous spirit, Wallace said, "He's always wanting to go above and beyond to help the cause and other kids. He's incredible."
Goals and dreams
With a maturity not often found in such a young boy, Sebastian hopes to start a foundation to help others live their life to their fullest. He also wants to be independent, own his own house, a Mazda Miata and "know how to take care of myself so my mom doesn't have to come speeding down I-15 to help me if I break a leg," he said.
More than anything, Sebastian wants to live a normal life while making a difference in the world.
"He just wants to be a kid like anyone else. He wants to live life. He always sends it. He always puts others in front of him. He has a lot of love for life. Even when he is in pain, he's still in love with life," his mom, Evelia, said. "I'm very proud of him. He doesn't do what he does to show off. He does what he does to inspire others to do good. We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone."
Your donations help
If you would like to contribute to Sebastian's cause, you can donate to Shriners Hospital at any time. Or, use the link in 80 Eighty's Instagram profile to donate directly to Sebastian's impending medical expenses.
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About the author: Having owned everything from a DeLorean to an E46 BMW M3 and a Toyota Land Cruiser, Jason Bell is a lifelong car enthusiast who loves sharing his passions as a teacher, writer, speaker and social media manager. Contact him at jasonbellcars@gmail.com for comments/questions, or just to say "hi."
