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Jack Binsfeld: Thriving on the basketball court
Jack Binsfeld was born in China with spina bifida, a congenital defect of the spine. He was a very serious, quiet child who lived in an orphanage until the age of five.
"We didn't think we could have kids. The first time we went to adopt, Neal and I instantly knew we were going to have a different life," said Jeanne. Neal and Jeanne Binsfeld are the proud parents of 11 children, eight of whom were adopted and who have developmental and/or physical challenges.
"Our children are our inspiration. All I can tell you is that the children are doing remarkable things." Taking stock of the Binsfeld children's gifts and talents, it's obvious Neal and Jeanne have worked to empower each of them to the best of their abilities. That includes Jack.
In the Chinese orphanage, Jack and Mia, who was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder characterized by bones that break easily, were not brother and sister but best buddies. So, the Binsfelds decided to adopt them together.
"All the photos of Jack were with a very, very serious face. We thought we were going to have to really work to bring out his personality. We just wanted to help him enjoy life because there was not a smile on anything we saw of him."
"The first year Jack was part of our family, he was so scared of everything. He couldn't communicate to us, but he spoke Chinese to Mia as neither of them knew English" recalled Jeanne. Then, she signed Jack up for the Rolling Rowdies wheelchair basketball team at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. "Since Jack began playing basketball, his personality has blossomed. He just loves basketball; it really brings out his spirit," said Jeanne.
But, the best part about participating in wheelchair basketball is watching Jack on the court laughing with friends and seeing his beaming smile.
"It's just amazing. It's wonderful to see him thriving."
"We didn't think we could have kids. The first time we went to adopt, Neal and I instantly knew we were going to have a different life," said Jeanne. Neal and Jeanne Binsfeld are the proud parents of 11 children, eight of whom were adopted and who have developmental and/or physical challenges.
"Our children are our inspiration. All I can tell you is that the children are doing remarkable things." Taking stock of the Binsfeld children's gifts and talents, it's obvious Neal and Jeanne have worked to empower each of them to the best of their abilities. That includes Jack.
In the Chinese orphanage, Jack and Mia, who was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder characterized by bones that break easily, were not brother and sister but best buddies. So, the Binsfelds decided to adopt them together.
"All the photos of Jack were with a very, very serious face. We thought we were going to have to really work to bring out his personality. We just wanted to help him enjoy life because there was not a smile on anything we saw of him."
"The first year Jack was part of our family, he was so scared of everything. He couldn't communicate to us, but he spoke Chinese to Mia as neither of them knew English" recalled Jeanne. Then, she signed Jack up for the Rolling Rowdies wheelchair basketball team at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. "Since Jack began playing basketball, his personality has blossomed. He just loves basketball; it really brings out his spirit," said Jeanne.
But, the best part about participating in wheelchair basketball is watching Jack on the court laughing with friends and seeing his beaming smile.
"It's just amazing. It's wonderful to see him thriving."