(IDAHO FALLS, Idaho) — Meet your friendly, neighborhood Braxtyn. This 5-year-old loves Spider-Man, swinging, and being around people. But life has already handed this little superhero some pretty big battles.
Health challenges started early
Braxtyn’s mom, Katelyn Spencer, says his health challenges began when he was very young. Braxtyn has autism and epilepsy.
He’s had brain surgery and had to learn to walk again. Because of his seizures, he also wears a helmet to help keep him safe.
Katelyn has been his sidekick through it all. “I’ve watched him struggle. It’s just really hard because it makes it hard for him to do a lot of things,” she said.
But despite everything he’s been through, Katelyn says Braxtyn remains outgoing and upbeat. “He’s such a happy kid.”
When Katelyn saw the nationwide Stan Lee Super Kid competition, she knew exactly who she wanted to enter. And with Braxtyn adoring Spider-Man since he was a toddler, it seemed like a perfect fit.
“He loves Spider-Man,” Katelyn said.
Fighting villains
The villains in Braxtyn’s story look a little different.
His family is fighting insurance coverage issues to get him back into ABA therapy and help him access speech and occupational therapy.
If he wins, the $25,000 prize could help with his complex medical needs.
His own comic book
But there’s another prize Katelyn says would mean even more: Braxtyn would become the hero of his own comic book. “I would just love to see Braxtyn see himself as a hero,” she said.
Because that’s already how she sees him.
His seizures can knock him down, but Katelyn says he doesn’t stay there for long. “He just pops right back up. After falling down. He’s just so tough,” Katelyn said.
Whether Braxtyn wins the competition or not, he already has a number-one fan. “I’m just so proud of him,” Katelyn said.
Braxtyn doesn’t need a cape to win the hearts of those who hear his story.
Katelyn shared his story on a community Facebook page, asking if others would be willing to vote for him. She says she’s been overwhelmed by the support.
Braxtyn is currently in the top 10, with voting for the top five ending Thursday, Oct. 15.
For more information about the competition or to vote, visit TheSuperKid.org.
