Hello My Name is Joseph Hobson. I was born Jan. 3 1986 with clubfoot on both feet, my left was not as bad as my right. When I was 6 months old I was in casts. My left foot got better through casting, my right didn't. At 9 months old I had my first surgery on my right foot. I've had 3 surgeries on my right foot and until I was 18 years old I went to the Shriner hospital in Shevreport, La. I live in Ardmore, OK. I'm 20 years old now and still have problems but learn to live with them.

The best part is that when I was born Dr's said I would never walk -- I proved them wrong! I had trouble with my foot all through school but I had a love for football and I wanted to play. In grade 7 I asked my doctor if I could play football with big eyes he looked at me said that I would be in a wheelchair by the end of my 7th grade football season and wouldn't walk after. But I had heard that one before. I played anyway. Before I started playing football I could not move my ankle or toes. When I started my foot hurt so bad but I learn to live with the pain. I learned to put my pain in God's hands. I was reading the bible one day and found this Phillipians 4:13... "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Everytime something got hard on the field I would just remember that and gave it my all. I played football from 7th grade to 12th grade, I won the bigest award in sports and my name now hangs in the field house at my school. All the pain I went through in football and basketball payed off I can now move my foot and toes I do have a calve but its smaller than the other one. I also am a Volunteer Firefighter.

I'm 20 years old have a job in a warehouse I am also getting married ion Aug. 10th 06. I wanted to tell you my story 'cause I have lived what your child is going through and know how it feels. Also YOU CAN DO ANYTHING THAT YOU SET YOUR MIND TO. Just because their foot is not the same don't let it slow them down. keep their heads up parents show them they can do anything. Telling you my story is not the same as seeing me play football. I wish you all could have seen me play I gave it my all every play cause you never know when its your last.

OH, AND I STILL WALK TO THIS DAY!

If any have any questions just e-mail me. I hope my story helps you all.