Future Paralympian, Jaden trains for several hours a day – so for him, comfort and flexibility in his wheelchair are everything. The Zygo back support fits Jaden’s active lifestyle, as he especially likes the freedom of unrestricted arm movement and the customised fit, tailored to suit his back shaping.
Jaden has achieved so much in his young years and has the ambition to one day represent New Zealand at the Paralympics in wheelchair track racing.
Jaden was born in Auckland, New Zealand in May of 2004, and spent his first month at Starship Children’s Hospital. He lives with Spina Bifida and a rare condition called VATER Association. These diagnoses bring a wide range of medical conditions and already at 18 years of age he has undergone 31 major surgeries. Hospital visits, procedures, therapy, and countless appointments are just a regular part of Jaden’s life, but that hasn’t prevented him from pursuing an incredible life well beyond the hospital bed. He may rely on a wheelchair to get around, but he has a competitive and athletic drive that rivals any young athlete who dreams of representing their country on the world stage.
Jaden lives life with an abundance of positivity, generosity and determination, aspiring to be an inspirational speaker and change-maker. Through sharing his story, he hopes to inspire all young people to follow their dreams and stand up for what they believe in; and he would love to influence policymakers and organisations to ensure those with disabilities have their voices heard.