EAGLE, Idaho — Eagle Middle School 8th grader Jeremiah San Nicolas is back at school after having major spinal surgery for kyphoscoliosis in Salt Lake City. He and his mom had to leave his four siblings behind and arrived in Utah over Thanksgiving break.
"So, there are two parts of the surgery, the first part was the halo which wasn't that bad, and then when the actual spinal fusion came in," Jeremiah said. "There was a lot going on with the surgery and everything and recovering and coming back from it."
His mom Joanne said his spine straightening surgery was an incredible success. The before and after photos are stunning.
"It is night and day. It was the best possible outcome. The surgeons were able to carefully straighten out the spinal cord, and it couldn't have gone any better," Joanne said. "We are so grateful. He still has movement."
Jeremiah said he is so glad to be back at school, back to his routine and back with his friends. The 14-year-old said he really missed his community at Eagle Middle.
"When I came back to school, everyone was super nice to me," Jeremiah said. "It felt really good knowing that I'm cared about."
The principal of Eagle Middle School said he is just one of those kids that everyone gravitates to.
"He's just a go getter," said Matt Genetti, Eagle Middle School principal. "He's a kid with grit, perseverance and positive attitude."
Jeremiah was the heart and soul of the middle school football team in the fall. He was featured as a 7's HERO for inspiring everyone on the field, even with all of his medical challenges. He played as much as he could, even with spine, heart, hip and shoulder issues.
"I know when someone is out there just for the love of the game and the passion to compete, that is something the team can rally around. I think his teammates did. I know his coaches loved coaching him," Genetti said. "It was a great season because of that."
Jeremiah just loves the game.
"My favorite thing is being out on the football field with friends," he said. "It's just the fun of the game."
The response to his story from the community was incredible. So many people wanted to help with his spinal surgery, and many donated to the family's Go Fund Me to help with expenses. That money has really helped with his mounting medical bills, and there are more to come.
"It was overwhelming in a good way; it really opened our eyes to how supportive a community can be. It really built us up," Joanne said.
But Jeremiah was dealt a devastating blow after the football season. His doctors told him it was no longer safe to play the game he loves.
"Football season ended, and we went to the doctor the week after, and that's when they said absolutely no more playing under any circumstances. It was a heartfelt moment, and we needed to sit down and talk to Jeremiah, because he was disheartened and disappointed that that opportunity is gone," Joanne said. "But. when God closes one door, there' are two more doors that open. So, he's now been given the opportunity to coach!"
He was offered the chance to help coach his fellow teammates when they move on to Eagle High School as freshmen next year.
"So, I'm going to help coach the Eagle HS freshman team," Jeremiah said. "I get to stay with my team. We get to stay together."
The future is looking so bright for this beloved kid who inspires people everywhere he goes.
"Before he left for his surgery his smile was huge, and when he came back, his smile was huge," Genetti said. "He's just positivity and I love that about him."
Jeremiah said there is no sense in being down or negative. That was something he learned early in his young life.
"Because, if you focus on the bad things all the good things won't open up to you," he said.
Jeremiah has hip and heart issues, and has more surgeries ahead of him, but he said he will get through. He always does.
"Everything that I push through is with my mom and my family," Jeremiah said. "Family, friends and all the love around me."
His mom said she is so proud of everything he has overcome and amazed by his attitude.
"He is the greatest kid," she said. "I might be biased because I'm his mom, but I think anyone else that comes in contact with him and gets to spend a little bit of time gets to see how fantastic he is."
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