'One In A Million': Kendrixx Addison Needs Life-Changing Surgery

COUNTRY CLUB HILLS, IL — When Terrika Black was heading to the hospital to deliver her first child at only 33 weeks along in her pregnancy, she had no idea what would happen. After giving birth and holding her infant for moments, she said doctors took the newborn to the neonatal intensive care unit. The next morning, Black was informed her son, Kendrixx Addison, is literally "one in a million."

Kendrixx was born with a rare condition called tibial hemimelia, in which a child is born with a tibia (shinbone) that is shorter than normal or missing altogether, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. This condition causes a difference in leg length and is extremely rare, occurring in only one out of every one million births. There are about four new cases in the United States each year.

When Black was made aware of Kendrixx's diagnosis, she immediately thought back to her pregnancy, wondering if something had gone wrong.

"I wanted more understanding and clarity," Black said. "I had never heard of this condition before and had no idea was it was ... I started asking questions and needed to know what we have to do next to try and help him live a normal life."

Black said Kendrixx has two partial tibias. Hoping to help him develop the best he can, his parents had gone to several pediatric orthopedic specialists, but were met with disappointment nearly every time, and told amputation may be the now 1-year-old's only option. But the Black family didn't give up hope. They continued to research on their own, and after meeting another family with similar circumstances, they were directed to the Paley Institute in West Palm, Florida.

"Before we went to see Dr. Paley, I prayed about it, and I was ready to go in with whatever decision that he made, because whatever happens, we're still going to love Kendrixx regardless," Black said. "I just want to give him an extra shot at a normal childhood."

After the family flew out to meet Dr. Paley and his team, the doctor informed them that his team was properly trained and equipped to reconstruct Kendrixx’s legs.

"The first part of the surgery, doctors are going to correct his feet, so they can be at a 90-degree angle and have the ability to go flat on the floor," Black said. "Then, with fixators, they will be connecting his tibia with his fibula, that way it can grow as one."

The procedure to reconstruct Kendrixx's legs is scheduled for March 11, 2021. Although the news brings the family hope, financial hurdles are currently holding them back. Black said insurance will cover the cost of physical therapy after the procedure, but the family will need to put a $20,000 down payment on the surgery and four months of housing that will be required as Kendrixx recovers.

The family set up a GoFundMe page, asking the community to help Kendrixx "walk, run [and] jump into his future!" As of Friday afternoon, the GoFundMe account has raised $6,713.

Life with Kendrixx

Black said that although her firstborn has a limiting condition, he is very active and outgoing.

"He's a busy child. They say kids find a way, and they do," Black said. "He's the most fearless kid and just wants to play all day. He's very independent. For example, he doesn't want me to feed him, he wants to do it himself, and he's only one."

The mother said Kendrixx is a huge Mickey Mouse Club House fan and watches it nearly all day. Black also said that he spends a lot of time with his grandmother during the work week, where he continuously wants to play.

"He's just ... a kid. A 1-year-old kid that has no boundaries. He doesn't know there's anything different about him," Black said. "So he's playing with his toys, his cars and everything. Just living his life."

Black said some challenges she and her family face when caring for Kendrixx include having to carry him more often than the average 1-year-old and not being able to put shoes on his feet. She noted that he hates wearing socks and takes them off frequently, which can be alarming during the winter months.

When it comes to reaching the goal of the GoFundMe page, Black said that no matter what happens, she and the rest of her family will always support and care for Kendrixx.

"It would really mean a lot [to reach the goal] because I just want to give him the opportunity to be able to, enjoy life with his peers. Be able to run play or whatever he decides to do ... We're going to be behind him 100 percent but it would mean a lot to just give him the chance."

Black said in terms of the surgery, she is anxious, overwhelmed and excited all at the same time. She has created a Facebook page for those interested in following along with Kendrixx's journey. The family shares videos, photo updates and more as they await a potentially life-changing surgery for the one-year-old.

To donate to Kendrixx's upcoming medical expenses, visit the GoFundMe page here. Black wanted to express her gratitude to those who have donated and reached out to the family after sharing the account on social media.

"From the moment I started the GoFundMe page, my heart has been very humbled," Black said. "My family is very gracious ... the amount of support that has been poured out in this little time has made us very, very, very grateful."