In Roman's case, extra fluid on his brain and spine were likely to leave him unable to ever walk. But thanks to a surgery performed right after he was born, his parents were hopeful that he would defy the odds—and he inspired millions worldwide when he did just that.
His parents shared a video of the moment he was able to walk using special arm crutches his physical therapist brought over for him, delightedly informing the family's dog of what he was doing.
"Look, Maggie!" he cries, smiling proudly at the dog. "I walking, Maggie!"
Mom Whitney got the idea for the arm crutches late one night, texting Roman's therapist and giving him the option to try them out the very next day.
"As soon as he saw them he was in love! He kept saying “I love my new stick!” and he was super eager to give them a try," Whitney shared, via Facebook. "I think he was extra excited because of Chrissy from Daniel tiger, she also uses sticks to walk and he loves Daniel tiger!"
The video Roman's parents shared was initially just a chance for the family to include others in their excitement over the momentous milestone, but the reaction they've gotten from the internet has helped them realize just how inspirational his success has been.
"From random people telling us their story, you know, how they were depressed, or you know, how they were suicidal, or how they were going through these medical situations and to see that he influenced them in a positive way to change their mindset and change their view it's just so heartwarming," Whitney shared.
