[this story appeared in the October 30 Salina311 Newspaper]
Manny Shaft has been through more than most kids his age. Being adopted at the age of sixteen is the beginning of a life that Manny always dreamed of. But, as with many people, there's a beginning that you have to go deeper for.
Manny is a Little Person. With his exact medical of diastrophic dysplasia, his adult height will be the thirty-nine inches he is currently.
Diastrophic Dysplasia is one of over two hundred forms of dwarfism that have been medically identified. According to the Johns Hopkins Medical website (www.hopkinsmedicine.org), Diastrophic Dysplasia can be defined as a hereditary genetic disorder affecting cartilage. Diastropic Dysplasia can affect the development of body parts including the hands, face, ears, feet, hips, legs, and spine. People with diastrophic dysplasia are generally shorter than average in height.
All of this just means that Manny is awesome.
After over forty surgeries in his lifetime to correct things such as his spine, feet, and legs, the good thing is that Manny shouldn't have to go through surgery again until he's forty. The most recent surgery was spinal fusion, hoping to correct severe scoliosis.
Manny has also had surgery on his feet. A common issue for dystrophies is misshapen extremities, making it difficult and in some cases impossible to walk. Manny is fortunate enough for the feet surgeries to have been successful.
Another aid used to help Manny walk is incredible shoes. He calls them his moon shoes. These are specially designed just for Manny, and help keep his feet in the proper walking position, as well as fitting his leg braces inside.
Anyone reading would think this is the beginning of an intense medical drama. For Manny, it's part of everyday life. However, this life wasn't always within reach.
Manny has only been in Salina for just over a year. Before that, he lived in New Hampshire, where he was born.
Manny lived with his biological mom and siblings until he was twelve. Most of those years were spent in a wheelchair, never learning how to walk properly. Manny learned to depend on others for everything.
At twelve years old, Manny entered the foster care system. That is relatively late in life, with most kids entering before they turn eight years old and being adopted by the age of twelve. The rest are within the system until they age out.
For Manny, being in the foster system gave him a new way to look at life. He was finally able to attend school regularly. Friends were made. It was also the official beginning of getting his medical needs cared for.
While his foster families were nice, there was still something missing.
Over 1,000 miles away, Erin and Trenton Shaft were enjoying life with their three daughters: Stevie, 4; Natalie, 16; and Khendal, 23. Trenton works for the Saline County Sheriff Department, while Erin is a stylist in Downtown Salina. Perfectly happy, they weren't missing anything. Except, a son.
Erin and Trenton knew that a fourth child would be through adoption. They began to start the process through a national project that supports child welfare systems and connects children in foster care with families.
The process of adopting Manny began with typical procedures. Reading bios of kids in need of a family was the beginning. When the Shafts began face timing Manny and his foster mom, there was an immediate connection. It wasn't until months into the process that the Shafts were able to fly to New Hampshire and meet their hopeful new addition.
Manny was able to finally come home with his new family in the Summer of 2020 when he was fifteen years old. It was still under the status of "foster" until the adoption went through. That process took twelve months.
During that time, Manny started school at Salina Central. He made friends and found that schoolwork isn't so hard, but the most interesting discovery is that Manny became independent. He likes to thank his parents for that. And Erin has made sure that he learns to do things on his own.
After twelve months of living under his final foster roof, Manny officially became a Shaft, just a few days ago. As is custom, once officially adopted a child's name can be lawfully changed on their birth certificate. Manuel James Bailey Shaft chose to take his new family's last name. However, it was the middle name that possibly brought tears to his new dad's eyes.
Manny said, "I took my dad's middle name, James. I knew it would be a great way to say thanks for giving me a new life, and that I love you."
Now that Manny is officially adopted, he feels like he can start living the life he's always dreamed of. One of those dreams was trying out for the Salina Central soccer team.
Manny tried out for the team in August, and he made it. Erin and Trenton are continually amazed by Manny, and his ability and drive to try new things.
"Four years ago, he was in a wheelchair and barely knew how to walk. Now, he plays high school soccer. I love my boy."
One obstacle that Manny has learned to play through is his shoes.
"They're not the best for soccer,” says Manny. "But I learn to adjust. Cleats would be nice, but..."
Manny's shoes come from a company back east, where he's from. Each pair costs roughly $800. He currently has three pairs that he rotates because they wear out so easily. One pair is currently in Manhattan having the soles repaired.
But, Manny pushes through. He's come a long way in such a short time.
When you ask Manny about his plans for the future, he knows he would like to have a job and a family someday. Aside from his great family, another support system available is one full of Little People, just like Manny.
Little People of America is an organization that's been around since the 1950s. Anyone of short stature, for any medical reason, is welcome. This organization meets throughout the year on a regional and national basis, giving Little People the opportunity to be around others that are just like them.
In 2022, the National Conference will be held in Spokane, Washington. Erin wants to turn that week into a family vacation.
Manny is surrounded by support. He is finally able to live his best life. But, he also knows he can't forget about the life he left. It's part of what makes him who he is today.
One way Manny embraces everything that has met him in just sixteen short years is by motivational speaking.
In the four years since Manny has been in his new life, he has already had three motivational speaking opportunities. This includes speaking at an Aflac convention, a ladies guild, and his middle school in New Hampshire.
Manny hopes to do more motivational speaking, giving others hope amid trials, maybe even turning it into a career.
No matter what Manny ends up pursuing in his life, one thing is certain. This kid is already an inspiration to those he meets. Whether it's in his new family, high school, or on the soccer field. He's overcome trials that most of us would have nightmares over.
Through it all, Manny wants to be an inspiration to those around him, by doing what he does best:
Living life.
