Braylon O'Neill is a 6-year-old boy who is living his life to the fullest. He engages in many sports; golf and baseball seem to be his favorites. He has two pairs of legs. One set allows him to walk around. The other set allows him to really show his energetic side by all the running, jumping, skipping and dancing he does while wearing those legs. He has quite the personality. The youngster even starred in a Super Bowl commercial that really gets to the feels.
Braylon was born without tibia and fibula bones in both of his legs. On his left hand he has syndactylism, meaning that three of his fingers are fused together.
Shortly after his birth, doctors amputated both of his legs to permit the greatest chance possible for mobility with prosthesis. He was fitted for his first pair of legs at 11 months old, and every other year he is fitted for new running legs. It is crazy how far technology has advanced.
Braylon is incredibly nonchalant about his differences from the general population. This is what draws an incredible amount of attention to him.
His walking legs are covered by insurance. Unfortunately, his running legs are not. Graciously, The Challenge Athletes Foundation helped pay for his legs. Braylon attended the foundation's gala and received his reward of $10 from "TODAY" show host, Natalie Morales.
During the interview Braylon challenged Natalie to a race. He even wanted to raise the stakes to $100, but that was not in Natalie's budget. The two raced, and Braylon ended up wining the prized $10, and bragging rights.
Braylon O'Neill is not the first person with "diffability" (as his parents call his abilities). Noah Galloway, a veteran who has lost his left arm and left leg above the knee while deployed in Iraq, regularly participates in CrossFit and Tough Mudder events. He even placed third while a contestant on "Dancing With the Stars." Anyone who followed this season was constantly in their emotions while watching Noah Galloway's performance on the show.
Braylon is the next generation of inspiration. He will inspire people of all ages to do things they normally think they cannot. Braylon even does speaking events at school. The next time you have trouble, watch this video of Braylon O'Neill's interview with the "TODAY" show. His personality and smile will warm you up and motivate you to keep persevering.