Left behind by his birth mother because he was born without lower legs, Emmanuel Hilton is reaching milestones no one thought were possible, playing soccer for Blackhawk High School.
Emmanuel plays backup goalie for the high school’s junior varsity team.
“I watched so many games, people playing soccer, and I said, ‘Someday I can play soccer,’” he said.
The challenges Emmanuel has faced started as soon as he was born in the Republic of Congo.
“My real mom – (when) I was born - they throw me on the road. They didn't like me because I was handicapped. They didn't want to care for me. It was too much trouble,” Emmanuel said.
His grandmother cared for him until he was placed in an orphanage.
“I couldn't go to school. Every school didn't like me because I was handicapped,” he said.
But five years ago, Michelle Hilton saw a picture in a church newsletter and Emmanuel’s life changed for the better.
“He just looked joyful, and that stuck with me. He was in my mind. I couldn't forget it,” she said.
Michelle Hilton and her husband, Rev. Gary Hilton, decided to adopt Emmanuel, but it took four long years. He’s now been living in the United States for almost a year.
“My life right now is very happy,” Emmanuel said.
Other students and teammates quickly embraced him.
“Just him being part of a team environment, it's just something. Words are hard to articulate what that feeling is, but it's good,” Rev. Gary Hilton said.
For Emmanuel, he said he doesn’t see the barriers, because he’s already overcome so much.
“It doesn't matter to me. I can do anything. I can do anything right now,” he said.
