Challenges and Triumph, building a Paralympian  

By Sylvia Izzo  

A young boy once faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles now glides effortlessly across the ice, defying expectations and inspiring everyone he meets. From sports uncertainty to the heights of athletic achievement, his journey is a testament to resilience, community support, and the unyielding pursuit of dreams.  

Zyree “Z” Fuller, a spirited young man, thrives on the ice as a hockey player for the Warrior for Life Fund in Virginia Beach, VA, and the Hurricanes in Raleigh, NC. Like many kids, Zyree dreams of finishing school, graduating from college, and landing his dream job. However, Zyree’s journey is unique.  

Born July 5, 2006, at Sentara General, Zyree was diagnosed with Tibial Hemimelia. This rare limb deficiency left him without knees and ankle bones. This condition, affecting only one in 40,000 births, meant Zyree would never walk, stand, or run alone. At 18 months, he underwent a double leg amputation at Shriners Hospital in South Carolina. Despite the early challenges, Zyree learned to walk on prosthetic legs by age two, navigating life with remarkable resilience. 

At five years old, Zyree’s grandmother, Sadie Fuller, took custody of him. Sadie’s nursing background and proximity to a children’s hospital provided Zyree with the needed care. The future seemed uncertain initially, but Sadie’s and Zyree resilience to challenge provided them the ability to find success.    

Sadie’s home became a place of hope as Zyree found ways to accomplish anything he set his mind to. He transformed into a happy, go-lucky individual, determined to live without limits. Zyree excelled academically, finishing elementary school with excellent grades and advancing to Deep Creek Middle School. Although shy and self-conscious about his weight and legs, he began to gain confidence. 

Zyree wanted to join the football team in sixth grade but was denied due to safety concerns. This rejection crushed his spirit, causing his grades and self-esteem to plummet. However, a chance encounter at the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters changed his life. An employee introduced Zyree and Sadie to sled hockey. This sport allowed double amputees to compete on ice using specialized equipment. 

The idea of playing a sport reignited Zyree’s enthusiasm. He joined a local adaptive hockey team and quickly fell in love with the sport. There he met Warrior For Life Fund Adaptive Athlete Coach Dean Newcomb, who inspired Zyree with the vision of winning a Paralympic Gold medal.  Sled hockey transformed Zyree’s life, boosting his confidence on and off the ice. By his freshman year of high school, he made his high school Honor Roll. He then won the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, which recognizes players who exhibit strength of character and outstanding skills. Zyree’s talent and dedication led to invitations from USA Hockey to participate in Regional Sled Hockey Player Development Camps. He also attended clinics with the USA Gold Medal Sled Hockey team.

This year, Zyree is preparing for his prom and Deep Creek High School graduation. He plans to attend Tidewater Community College and later pursue a degree in Studio Art from Old Dominion University. Zyree’s dream job is to become a commercial videographer/editor. He continues to skate with the Warrior for Life Fund, which provides support and opportunities for adaptive athletes. 

The Warrior for Life Fund’s mission is to support veterans and their families through hockey, promoting camaraderie, physical health, and mental well-being. The organization has been instrumental in Zyree’s development, offering him and other young athletes a platform to excel and inspire. 

Zyree mentors’ younger players, including a four-year-old double amputee, passing on the skills and confidence he has gained. His journey to Paralympic hopeful serves as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that with determination and support, anything is possible. 

Zyree’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and the unwavering belief in living without limits. As Sadie aptly said, “What I want most for him is to live without limits.” And Zyree Fuller is doing just that—one goal at a time.