Before he even took his first breath, Everette’s story had already begun to teach those around him about resilience, faith, and love. Born with Down Syndrome, this remarkable young boy from Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital has faced challenges that would test even the strongest hearts. Yet, through every obstacle, Everette has done what he does best — live fully, love deeply, and remind everyone who meets him just how beautiful life can be.
From the start, Everette’s journey was far from easy. Complications arose early, and soon after birth, doctors discovered that he would need significant medical care. Over the years, he has navigated a series of health challenges — including asthma, a tracheostomy (trach), dependence on a ventilator, and multiple complications that led to repeated hospital stays. There were days and nights filled with machines, monitors, and uncertainty. But through it all, Everette’s spirit never wavered.
He spent months in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), surrounded by a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and specialists who quickly became like family. They watched him grow, cheered his milestones, and celebrated every victory — no matter how small. Over time, Everette built an extraordinary bond with his care team, one founded on trust, laughter, and love. They weren’t just treating him; they were walking alongside him on a journey that continues to inspire everyone who crosses his path.
Now, years later, that little boy who once fought for every breath is about to start third grade — and he’s doing it with excitement, energy, and his trademark smile. School is more than just learning for Everette; it’s a place where he connects, thrives, and continues to show the world that determination has no limits.
But perhaps the most exciting part of his year so far? Football.
Everette is thrilled to be joining the Challenger League, a program that allows children with disabilities to participate in sports at their own pace and in their own way. The league is more than a game — it’s a celebration of inclusion, teamwork, and joy. For Everette, it means putting on a uniform, running onto the field, and hearing the cheers of teammates and families who see him not for his challenges, but for his spirit.
On that field, every child is a star — and Everette shines as brightly as they come.
The Challenger League gives children the opportunity to experience the thrill of competition, the pride of accomplishment, and the power of belonging. For Everette, it’s about more than football — it’s about confidence, friendship, and being part of something that makes him feel strong and proud.
And when the game ends, Everette doesn’t stop there. Off the field, he fills every day with joy and creativity. Whether he’s dancing to music, building worlds in Roblox, watching his favorite Spy Ninjas videos on YouTube, or feeling the ocean breeze at the beach, he approaches life with boundless enthusiasm. His laughter is contagious, his energy infectious, and his love for life unmistakable.
To meet Everette is to be reminded of what truly matters. In a world that often moves too fast, he slows things down. He shows those around him the beauty in small moments — a good song, a sunny day, a high five, a shared smile. He has an incredible ability to turn ordinary experiences into something extraordinary simply by being present.
His parents, his medical team, and his teachers often say that Everette has a gift — the gift of perspective. He doesn’t let the past or the future steal his joy. He lives right here, right now, fully and unapologetically. Through every challenge, he continues to show what it means to persevere, to love without fear, and to celebrate every victory, no matter the size.
Everette’s story is one of courage, yes — but it’s also one of community. It’s a story about what happens when medical professionals, families, and programs like the Challenger League come together to make inclusion and compassion part of everyday life. It’s about recognizing that every child, no matter their ability or circumstance, deserves a chance to shine.
Today, Everette is thriving — not because his road has been easy, but because he’s faced every challenge with heart. His determination, his joy, and his ability to light up a room remind us that strength isn’t measured by what we overcome, but by how we choose to keep going.
As he heads into a new school year and steps onto that football field, there’s no doubt that Everette will continue to inspire those around him — teammates, classmates, doctors, and friends alike. His life is a reminder that even when the path is hard, joy can still be found in every step.
So here’s to Everette — the football player, the dancer, the dreamer, the fighter.
The boy who has turned every obstacle into opportunity and every challenge into a reason to celebrate.
He teaches us something simple but profound:
Be present. Be grateful. Find joy in the moment.
Because if you live like Everette — with laughter, courage, and an open heart — every single day becomes a victory.
