An incredibly powerful moment between a toddler and Paralympic medalist is so sweet it's making people's hearts melt. Blake Leeper was present to cheer on a 2-year-old's first steps with a prosthetic leg, ensuring he wouldn't be alone in the process.
Leeper visited Scott Sabolich Prosthetics and Research in Oklahoma City in December 2020 to be fitted for his own prosthetics. While there, he found out that 2-year-old KJ Dyer was down the hall and getting ready to walk for the first time in his new prosthesis.
"I'm going; I'm going. You going to catch me? Leeper said in a Dec. 9, 2020, clip shared on the official Instagram for the Scott Sabolic Prosthetics and Research center.
"Come on!" Leeper continued as KJ confidently strolled towards him.
Leeper’s Continued Words of Encouragement for KJ
On Dec.21, 2020, Leeper took to his Instagram to share a video of him encouraging KJ to walk.
"I got my legs on now! I am ready! I'm ready for you!" Leeper joyously said before telling KJ he was doing "awesome" and "great."
"Look … mine look like yours!" Leeper added, showing KJ their similarities.
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Additionally, Leeper noted that kids like KJ are the motivation for him to keep on going.
"This right here is my motivation. I promise to keep grinding and fighting so young KJ will have every opportunity to compete at the highest level!!" he wrote in the post's caption.
Social Media’s Positive Reception to the Heartwarming Acts of Kindness
Seeing the videos on the athlete's and health center's Instagram have prompted people to share their well wishes and praise for the adorable and inspirational gestures.
"You deserve a Nobel prize! You are awesome! Thank you for supporting young ones in their challenges!!" one person wrote.
Another added: "You deserve a Nobel prize! You are awesome! Thank you for supporting young ones in their challenges!!"
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A third wrote: "Just seeing this clip today, hats off to you guy for being an inspiration to others. You are what being an Athlete should be all about, using your position for the greater good."
Someone else who championed Leeper as a "national treasure" and "hero" added: "You are a hero and a national treasure! Every kid just wants to know there is someone like him. So amazing you took the time to make a difference in this kid's life."
Kj’s Triumphant Recovery Journey
In a conversation with ABC News, KJ's mother, Chelsea Dyer, said Leeper's motivation helped the energetic toddler become determined to continue getting up and walking.
"He's doing great, and he only has to have the walker the first day. Ever since we've been home, he's been a very determined boy," she told the outlet.
A couple of weeks after the videos were filmed and shared online, KJ went back home and got used to walking with his new leg. Chelsea also told ABC's "World News Tonight" that meeting Leeper was wonderful.
"It was just an amazing experience for us as parents and for getting to see somebody to inspire him, and actually, it helps encourage him at home," she said.
This moment is a sign that anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it. Once that happens, the sky is the limit!
