His heart rate dropped dramatically, forcing doctors to perform an emergency C-section. He wasn’t breathing at birth, and when his mother, Angela, finally saw him hours later, he was hooked up to machines, battling jaundice.

For his family, the early signs that Kobe’s life would be filled with challenges started from day one. Yet, just like the late, great Kobe Bryant, he’s proven to be the “Kobe of” showing up strong and defying expectations every step of the way.

As he grew, Kobe’s unique struggles became clear. While his two older siblings developed on a typical path, Kobe’s milestones came more slowly. By six months, Angela noticed he wasn’t holding up his head or gaining weight like he should. 

Specialists couldn’t pinpoint the cause of his challenges, so he began therapy through a program called First Steps. With the extra help, he made some gains but still seemed to be struggling.

“Then, they took his Medicaid (in Atlanta),” said his mom, Angela. “I could only afford to have him enrolled through in-school therapy, so he got tight and spastic again and lost some of his flexibility.”

Eventually, Kobe was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and Fragile X syndrome, a rare genetic condition. Both diagnoses meant he’d face hurdles his peers wouldn’t, but even as his challenges mounted, his spirit remained strong.

If there’s one thing everyone knows about Kobe, it’s that his joy is infectious. He’s the kind of person who lights up every room he enters, flashing a wide smile that brings instant warmth to those around him. Kobe doesn’t know a stranger—whether at school, in therapy, or out in the community, he makes friends with ease, connecting with others through his genuine kindness and humor. Who looks this joyous in the hospital?!

Even on his hardest days, he brings laughter and light, always eager to share a smile. For those lucky enough to know him, Kobe is a constant reminder of resilience, strength, and the power of a positive attitude.

As time went on, Kobe continued to battle a range of medical complications, from seizures to spasticity that made his muscles painfully tight. But in 2022, things took a turn for the worse.

Angela was working long hours as a transporter for dialysis patients, while her mother helped care for Kobe. One day after school, Angela noticed that Kobe’s feeding tube seemed out of place. They went to the hospital to have it adjusted, but even after being sent home, he wasn’t improving. Kobe was sweating, pale, and in obvious pain. Hours passed as they sought care, his condition worsening by the minute. By the time they reached the second hospital, Kobe was unresponsive.

“He kept going in and out of consciousness,” Angela told us. “Eventually, he passed out completely and wasn’t responding. All of a sudden, everything and everyone was moving really fast.”

Nurses rushed him into the emergency room as doctors and surgeons gathered around, urgently fighting to save him.

Kobe was septic. The feeding tube had been placed incorrectly, poisoning him from the inside. For nearly four months, he fought for his life, spending Christmas and New Year’s in a hospital bed. He was on dialysis, put on a ventilator twice, and battled back from mini-strokes that left him weakened.

But Kobe pulled through. He even graudated from hospice, which is an incredible statement to write. He was the Kobe of overcoming the odds.

On January 12, after four long months, he came home—a miracle in every sense. With incredible courage, he defied the odds yet again, holding onto the resilience he’d shown since birth. True to form, Kobe even went on to graduate high school, a feat no one can underestimate given all he’d endured.

Now, after fighting so hard for his life, Kobe deserves the chance to live it fully. Through everything, one thing has always brought him joy: riding a bike. When he’s at therapy, his favorite activity is taking a spin on an adaptive bicycle. The bike has given him a taste of freedom, and in those moments, he’s not just a guy who’s had countless surgeries and hospital stays—he’s just Kobe.

But therapy sessions are the only chance he’s had to enjoy this bicycle freedom—until now.

Thanks to Chive Charities’ donors, Kobe will soon have his very own adaptive bike, custom-made by Freedom Concepts. For the first time, he’ll be able to ride whenever he wants, experiencing a sense of independence he’s never fully had. 

“He is so excited,” Angela said with a smile. “I can’t wait to send some pictures to share with you all.”

With your help, we fully funded the adaptive bike from Freedom Concepts for a total impact of $4,945.

Kobe’s journey hasn’t been easy, but every obstacle he’s faced has only strengthened his spirit. He’s the Kobe of beating the odds, the Kobe of friendship, the Kobe of resilience, and now, he’s the Kobe of bike riding. With each pedal, he’ll reclaim a little more of his freedom, his spirit pushing him forward as it always has. 

And with every ride, he’ll carry the joy and confidence that he’s worked so hard to earn—because, like his namesake, Kobe truly is one of the greats.

Here’s to Kobe’s next big ride—and to the donors who make it all possible. Join our mission to bring joy, freedom, and life-changing support to more incredible recipients like Kobe. Because together, we can be the Kobe’s of making the world 10% happier. DONATE HERE.