It’s important for children to find representation in the world around them, especially when it comes to their role models. But for kids who live with disabilities or physical differences, that can be tough.
Luckily for little Joseph Tidd, he and his hero share one special thing in common. The two-year-old is a big soccer fan and idolizes Orlando Pride Soccer Team player Carson Pickett, who, like Joseph, doesn’t have a left forearm and hand.
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Joseph’s parents, Miles and Colleen, think Carson’s arm is the reason their son loves her so much. “He kind of sees those who look like him and I think he relates to them,” Miles said. He believes seeing successful people with limb differences will teach Joseph that he’s capable of anything.
That’s why the Tidds thought it would be a great idea for Joseph to meet Carson in person. And his chance finally came during the team’s season opener in April, which, fittingly enough, is Limb Difference Awareness Month.
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After the Orlando Pride took on the Portland Thorns, Carson met up with the family and introduced herself to the shy little boy. The athlete won him over pretty quickly, pointing to her arm as she exclaimed, “We have the same arm!”
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The toddler completely lit up, smiling and likely marveling at their similarities. But he won’t be the only one to treasure their exchange.
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“You see so many people that you idolize and they have two hands and two feet but to see someone just like you,” Carson said. Well, it’s priceless.
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Carson is so much more than a soccer star. She’s giving Joseph one of the most important lessons he’ll ever learn: nothing, especially his arm, can hold him back from pursuing and fulfilling his dreams.
Watch as the new friends play peekaboo with their arms in the clip below, and share to spread the smiles.
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