December 25, 2010 began just like any other Christmas morning for Tyler
Wachtendorf and family. Holiday cheer was widespread throughout the Central
Texas household. Little did Tyler's parents, Jeff and Cassie, realize that their holiday would be remembered more for its frightening conclusion than for the joy and the spirit of the season. Later that night, Tyler fell from a set of stairs at a friend’s house, breaking his right femur. After X-rays and tests at a local medical facility, Tylerwas admitted to the hospital. The next morning the doctors placed a large cast on his leg rendering him totally immobile. Doctors informed the family that Tyler would be in the cast for six to eight weeks. After two nights in the hospital, Tyler was released to go back to the family's home.

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Tyler was taken back to the doctor for X-rays three weeks later to ensure the break was healing properly. Doctors advised the family that the cast would remain on for another six to eight weeks, which would then be replaced with a second cast. He would then walk on his own with a limp for quite some time because his bone and leg would require synchronization. This injury resulted in his right leg being one inch shorter than his left, causing a noticeable limp.
 

After initial treatment and casting, Jeff and Cassie felt that it would be appropriate to seek a second opinion. The Wachtendorf family has strong ties to
the Shriners International fraternity. Jeff, who has been a member of the Karem
Shriners in Waco for nine years, has deep roots in the 140 year-old organization.
Jeff's grandfather, dad, and uncle, have Lorena Little Leaguer® and patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Houston, Tyler Wachtendorf, recovers from his injury. This body cast was worn for six weeks. nearly fifty combined years wearing the Shriners' red fez. Arrangements were soon made to have Tyler meet with Dr.
Douglas Barnes, chief of staff at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Houston.

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At his initial visit in January 2011, Tyler was examined by Dr. Barnes and it was
reported that the break was properly healing, however, Tyler would not be able to be physically active for at least eight months. Adjustments were made to his cast so that Tyler would be more comfortable in his everyday activities. The report also advised that after this first cast is removed, the second would not
be necessary, which was more favorable than the original diagnosis. Tyler could
begin his rehab treatment with a special brace and walker which would allow
him to progressively walk again. Due to the shortening of the right leg, he also
required a heal lift to compensate for the difference in the length of his legs. After a second trip to Shriners Hospitals for Children, the cast was removed. Tyler is now learning how to walk again with the aid of a walker and without a leg brace. X-rays show the rare break of the femur bone prior to treatment at Shriners Hospitals for Children.
 

“Because of Shriners Hospitals for Children, Tyler is now able to more easily participate in youth sports. However, we are more thankful for them showing our son that life’s obstacles can be overcome.” — Jeff Wachtendorf

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With the help of the staff at Shriners Hospitals for Children combined with the courage and determination of a young boy, Tyler's legs are now very near to the same length, enabling him to participate this spring at Lorena Little League where he is a member of the Shriners' sponsored 6-7 year-old coach pitch team.

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