Mackenzie Groth: Finding confidence, friends and fun

First-time parents Aaron and Jamie Groth didn't know what to expect when their daughter Mackenzie (Kenzie) was born with spina bifida, a congenital defect of the spine. Together, they relied on their professional skills and knowledge as an athletic trainer and a third grade teacher to help nurture Kenzie both mentally and physically.

Last year, the Groth's began looking for more opportunities for Kenzie to be involved in extracurricular activities. "I knew of Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, but really didn't know about all it offers," said Jamie. She inquired about skiing, but the program was already full, so she was directed to wheelchair basketball. "There was another little boy who started at the same time and they learned together," she said.

Jamie is very proud of her daughter. She has seen Kenzie grow in confidence and in team skills. "Before she participated in basketball, Kenzie was shy and quiet. Now, she's so happy."

Kenzie loves her coaches and is learning to work hard and is getting physically stronger. What does Kenzie like most about basketball? "Friends!"

With her newly discovered love of sport, Kenzie has also started adapted swimming lessons at Courage Kenny. "She loves her instructor and has grown as a swimmer" said mom. "I am grateful for the individual attention in lessons. She has fun, and she has been taught things I never realized she could do, like learning to dive."

Now, when asked her favorite subject in school, Kenzie beams, "gym class!" And when her class began learning about basketball, Kenzie was asked by her teacher to help teach the other kids shooting, dribbling and passing techniques. Future goals for her daughter? "I would love to see Kenzie stay active in sports and be part of all the things being on a team brings - confidence, friends and fun."