James Humphreys is an extraordinary boy who has overcome significant obstacles in his short life. His resilience is an inspiration to many!

As a triplet, he and his brothers were born 7 weeks premature. While his brothers were born healthy, James was born with Spina Bifida, a devastating birth defect resulting from an incomplete closure of the spinal cord. In addition to Spina Bifida, James also has hydrocephalus and epilepsy.

Unbelievably, when James was 6 months old, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The odds of a malignant tumor at his age were 1 in 2 million. In the first 6 months of his life, James, had already endured 7 surgeries and underwent his 8th in July 2006 to remove the tumor. 5 years later in 2011, his family was blessed to hear the oncologist officially diagnose James “cancer-free”.

James’ struggles and the constant smile on his face in spite of them, are a huge source of inspiration to his family, especially his 3 brothers. He shares a unique connection with his triplet brothers, Christian and Harrison as well as his older brother, John Clay. When his brothers developed a passion to play hockey, James joined them at the rink to watch their games, cheer them on and to hit the snack bar for a post-game ICEE!

In the summer of 2012, while at a youth tournament at Consol Energy Center for his brothers, James discovered the sport of sled hockey. At the age of 6, he hit the ice in a sled and was hooked! He was thrilled to be playing the same game as his brothers and playing the game he loved with other athletes like himself, including Paralympic gold medalist Dan McCoy who continues to be a source of inspiration as well as an important role model for James!

James’ passion and enthusiasm on the ice is infectious to all around him. Sled hockey has helped him physically develop strength while giving him an opportunity to exercise both his body and mind. The sport gives him an outlet for social interaction which has developed both his self-esteem and self-confidence.  James continues to amaze his family as he achieves his dreams both on and off the ice!