Toddler With Spina Bifida Proudly Showing His Dog He Can Walk Will Melt You
This toddler with Spina Bifida and his dog, Maggie, will melt your heart forever
In what might just be the sweetest viral video of all time, a toddler with Spina Bifida can be seen learning how to walk and showing off his newfound skills to his dog. The way he proudly shouts his accomplishments to his beloved pup is a guaranteed heart-melter.
Roman Dinkel is just two years old, but he’s also a viral sensation thanks to an adorable video where he learns how to walk and eagerly awaits his dog Maggie’s approval.
Prepare yourselves for the cuteness because it’s pretty serious.
“Look Maggie! I walking, Maggie!” Roman gushes as he maneuvers down a hallway in his family’s home. That little voice coupled with his determination is the purest thing on the internet right now.
Roman was born with Spina Bifida after being diagnosed at his 20-week ultrasound. According to the Spina Bifida Association, it’s the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States. Spina Bifida happens when a baby is in the womb and the spinal column does not close all of the way — Spina Bifida literally translates to “split spine.” Every day, about 8 babies born in the United States have Spina Bifida or a similar birth defect of the brain and spine. There is no known cause.
His parents, Whitney and Adam Dinkel, regularly share updates and achievements at Defying Odds: Roman’s Journey on Facebook. As shown in the video, Roman is learning to walk using a pair of forearm crutches — which Roman and his family call his “sticks.”
The Dinkel family has set up a GoFundMe for Roman. “So many people have been reaching out to us wanting to bless Roman,” the page reads. “This money will go towards extra medical expenses, medical equipment, and to Roman’s personal bank account. We would also like to donate to a portion of the proceeds to Spina Bifida of greater Kansas City.”
If you’re inspired by little Roman’s story and the sweetest video on earth (if you’re not, who even are you), you can donate to his fund here.
