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Barbara Nelson, left, from the Wisconsin Veterans Home, and Marcella Canniff from Hustisford share a laugh together. (Catholic Herald photo/Kat Wagner) |
WISCONSIN DELLS — From his smile to the story of persistence despite the struggles, it’s easy to see why Zachary Reetz is a champion.
In March 2007, at 14 years old, Reetz became infected with meningococcemia, a rare disease caused by a type of bacterial meningitis. He spent 161 days in the hospital and due to the infection lost both legs, all of his right hand, and a good portion of his left hand and suffered hearing loss.
But Reetz survived and became an example to others — those with and without disabilities. With prosthetic limbs, he rides a specially made bike, walks, hunts with his grandfather, goes camping, and attends school.
He was named by the Children’s Miracle Network as the 2009 Champion of Wisconsin and traveled to Walt Disney World and met President Barack Obama in March. Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he was able to travel to Las Vegas and ride with his favorite NASCAR driver, Jeff Gordon.