Stryker Glenn’s story is one of relentless determination, overcoming incredible odds, and living with a strength that most of us can only hope to find in ourselves. The 10-year-old from Hoover, Alabama, has faced more challenges in his short life than most people will in a lifetime, yet through it all, Stryker has remained a fighter—teaching everyone around him the true meaning of resilience.
Stryker’s journey began with a diagnosis that most parents would dread. At a young age, Stryker was diagnosed with Tatton Brown Rahman Syndrome, a rare condition that can cause orthopedic issues, cardiac defects, seizures, and low muscle tone. But Stryker’s challenges didn’t stop there. In 2017, when he was just a toddler, he was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, a condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal, causing severe complications.
Stryker’s parents, Robby and Lindsay Glenn, have been by his side every step of the way. As a former Crimson Tide baseball player, Robby is no stranger to the importance of perseverance, but he and his wife Lindsay have had to rely on more than just their physical strength and resilience in the face of these challenges—they have had to lean heavily on their faith and determination to see their son through some of the darkest times.
In 2017, Stryker underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain due to the Chiari Malformation. While the surgery was successful, Stryker continued to struggle with seizures and vomiting. But things took an even darker turn in 2019. One day, Stryker had a seizure so severe that he began to aspirate, causing him to stop breathing altogether. In an instant, Stryker went into cardiac arrest.
What followed was nothing short of a miracle.
Robby and Lindsay rushed their son to the nearest hospital, performing CPR on him as they drove. When they arrived at the hospital, Stryker was revived, but the lack of oxygen to his brain had already caused severe damage, resulting in an Anoxic Brain Injury. Doctors told the Glenn family that Stryker had only a month to live. They were told to prepare for the worst.
But Stryker wasn’t ready to give up.
For over five months, Stryker remained in a coma. During this time, the doctors, his parents, and everyone who loved him were unsure if Stryker would ever wake up. Yet, Stryker defied expectations once again, fighting through the unimaginable odds, and eventually, he awoke.
Though he awoke, the toll of the Anoxic Brain Injury left Stryker with significant challenges. He became a quadriplegic, requiring 24-hour care. His doctors gave him a prognosis of just 2 to 5 years to live. But Stryker refused to let those predictions define his future. Even after such a traumatic injury, Stryker’s fight and perseverance have kept him alive, and each day, he continues to prove that his strength knows no limits.
Today, Stryker is back home in Hoover, AL, doing remarkably well. His family continues to monitor his health closely, particularly his oxygen levels, but they are also finding new ways for Stryker to regain strength and independence. Just recently, Stryker took to the pool for water therapy, which has become an important part of his rehabilitation. The water therapy provides him with a sense of freedom and mobility that he wouldn’t otherwise have, and it’s a small yet significant step towards further progress.
As Stryker recently celebrated his 10th birthday, his family is once again reminded of just how far he has come. The last few years have been filled with uncertainty, but through it all, Stryker has continued to fight, showing a resilience that is nothing short of extraordinary. His parents, Robby and Lindsay, have watched their son go through unimaginable pain and hardship, but they’ve also witnessed the power of love, faith, and perseverance.
Stryker’s journey is far from over, but his family is proud of how far he’s come. They know that the road ahead will continue to be difficult, but they also know that their son is a fighter—and he is capable of overcoming anything that comes his way. Stryker’s strength, courage, and unrelenting will to survive have inspired everyone who has followed his story.
As a family, Robby and Lindsay continue to offer their unwavering support to Stryker, and they are in awe of the strength their son shows every single day. His journey is a reminder that no matter what challenges we face in life, we are capable of overcoming them with love, faith, and determination.
As Stryker continues to fight and grow, his story will continue to inspire others facing adversity. His strength reminds us that miracles can happen, and that no matter how difficult the journey, there is always hope.
Let’s continue to support Stryker and his family, offering our prayers and encouragement as they navigate the challenges ahead. Stryker’s story is one of inspiration, resilience, and the power of the human spirit. We can all learn something from his journey, and we can all take strength from his unwavering determination.
Born with No Hands – But Nothing Will Stop My Boy: A Mother’s Journey of Love and Determination 539
When Shirin Jelil found out she was expecting her third child, her heart was full of joy and anticipation. But nothing could have prepared her for the shock she would receive at her 20-week scan. It was supposed to be an exciting day for her and her husband, Layth, as they found out they were having a boy, another brother for their two sons, Ibrahim and Mazzin. But instead, their happiness was quickly overshadowed by devastating news.
The sonographer brought a doctor into the room, and his expression was grave. “The baby doesn’t have hands,” he said. Shirin’s heart sank. The words hit her like a tidal wave. Memories of her first daughter, Rahaf, who had been born with severe complications and passed away shortly after birth, rushed back. Rahaf had been born with missing fingers and underdeveloped lungs, and in just four hours, she had passed away. It had been one of the most painful experiences of Shirin’s life.
Now, the doctors were telling her that her unborn son had a similar condition, but this time, it was even more severe. The doctor explained that, with her history, it was highly unlikely that the baby would survive. “His missing hands mean his condition is more severe than your daughter’s,” he said, offering the option to terminate the pregnancy. But for Shirin, there was no way she could even consider that option.
“I can’t do that,” Shirin sobbed, her heart torn between the crushing reality and the tiny glimmer of hope that lingered inside her. She had always believed that life had a way of throwing challenges, and though she didn’t know how things would unfold, she was determined to embrace whatever came their way. A small part of her couldn’t help but wonder, “What if everything is okay this time?”
Shirin went home, and the weight of the news sank in. She blocked out everything about the pregnancy, refusing to think about the baby or prepare in any way. Layth, equally devastated, kept the news to themselves, asking their family and friends not to bring up the topic. As her belly grew, the couple tried to avoid discussing the baby. “Mummy, are you having a baby?” Ibrahim and Mazzin would ask. Shirin would quickly dismiss their curiosity, saying, “No, I’ve just eaten too much.”
As the due date approached, the medical professionals remained adamant that the baby wouldn’t survive, and Shirin’s anxiety grew. But when the time came, and her waters broke, she was overwhelmed by fear and doubt. Halfway through labor, she questioned whether she could go on. “Come on love, keep going,” Layth urged her, his voice full of encouragement.
When the baby was born, doctors laid him on a table, and a hush fell over the room. The tiny infant was red and coughing—an unexpected sign of life. “Dying babies don’t cough,” one of the doctors exclaimed, running into the room. And in that moment, Shirin and Layth’s world changed. Their son was alive. The tears flowed freely as Layth jumped for joy and Shirin, overwhelmed with emotion, held her baby boy for the first time.
They named him Amin. Despite being born without hands and missing a toe, Amin was perfect in his parents’ eyes. He weighed just 2.3 kilos, but to Shirin and Layth, he was their miracle baby. The family’s joy was infectious, and soon, doctors and nurses from all over the hospital came to meet the “miracle baby.”
Amin spent a week in the hospital for monitoring, and when they finally took him home, the challenges began to show themselves. On the drive home, Amin’s brothers, Ibrahim and Mazzin, met their new sibling. “You said you weren’t having a baby,” Mazzin said, laughing when he saw his new brother. Shirin smiled and said, “I wanted it to be a surprise.”
Once home, the boys were full of curiosity. Ibrahim, only four, asked, “Mummy, where are his hands?” Shirin explained, “He doesn’t have any,” to which Ibrahim responded, “That’s so special!” And just like that, Amin’s difference became his uniqueness, something to be celebrated rather than mourned.
Shirin and Layth vowed to raise Amin with the belief that he could do anything. And from the very beginning, Amin proved them right. Like any other child, Amin learned to crawl and walk, and he soon learned to feed himself with a spoon. He could even put on his own shoes, build with LEGO, and hold a drink. His parents were amazed at his determination and ingenuity.
When Amin turned three, he showed another amazing feat—he used chopsticks! Despite being born with a hearing impairment and wearing hearing aids, Amin’s developmental progress was nothing short of remarkable. Although he is behind in his speech development, his joyful laugh, cheeky smile, and loving nature made every milestone that much sweeter.
Shirin was filled with pride as she watched Amin develop his skills, and in February 2023, she eagerly prepared for his next big step—starting mainstream school. Amin could already hold a pen and write, and his parents couldn’t wait to see what the future held for their brave, resilient boy.
Shirin’s journey with Amin has been one of love, patience, and awe. Despite the odds, Amin had proven that nothing could hold him back. He had shown his family that he was a true warrior, and his strength, determination, and spirit continue to inspire everyone around him. Shirin and Layth’s love for their son knows no bounds, and they will continue to support him in every challenge and triumph, as they have done since the day he was born.