Born as twins, one sibling came into the world healthy, while the other faced life-threatening complications from his very first breath. What followed was an extraordinary bond that would later lead to a profound act of sacrifice.
The twins entered the world a few minutes apart, but their early moments could not have been more contrasting. One was a robust, nearly 11-pound baby, while the other was underweight and born not breathing.
From the beginning, the healthier twin took on the role of protector, standing up against bullies and ensuring his brother was never left out. But when a life-threatening crisis struck during their teenage years, that unshakable bond would be tested in ways no one could have foreseen.
The twins’ entry into the world came with a surprise. Their parents, Larry and Diane, believed they were expecting one child—until the delivery room revealed they were two. Born just five minutes apart, their arrival brought joy but also significant challenges.
The twin who came out first was strong and healthy, while the other weighed less than half his brother’s size and had underdeveloped lungs. The weaker twin was not breathing at birth, and as he grew, his parents noticed delays in his development.
By age three, doctors diagnosed him with cerebral palsy, a condition that impacted his vision, speech, hearing, and mobility in his right hand. Despite the struggles, their home life provided a safe and loving environment because their family treated the boys equally.
Outside the home, however, the reality was starkly different. “I had all of the stereotypes that come with having a disability,” he later revealed. “I was called every name in the book on the playground. I had difficulty making friends.”
Through it all, his twin remained his fiercest ally. Whether standing up to playground bullies or refusing to attend sleepovers unless his brother could join, the healthier sibling made it clear that they were a package deal.
“Most of the time they’d say yes,” he shared, “but sometimes they’d say no, and [my brother] would go, ‘Well, then I’m not coming.'” Even as children, the stronger brother took his role of a protector seriously.