160 Freshman male Student Association representative Grayson Hume was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD). This defect was diagnosed in four different stages. Having stage four PFFD caused Hume to be born without a right femur bone, along with no index finger or pinky on his left hand. On June 3, 2004, immediately after his birth, Hume was dropped off at a nearby Ukrainian hospital by his biological mother. “She left me at the hospital and then vanished,” Hume said. “She came into the hospital under a fake name, so we don’t even know her real name.” Hume explained that in Ukraine, only a father could give up their child unless the woman had their husband’s consent. It was clear that Hume’s biological mother went to the hospital under a fake last name because there was no male father figure tied to the name she gave, implying that no consent was given. “The hospital could never find [the father], and once they went to find my mother, there were no documents or information about where she was from,” Hume said. “We have no idea who she is.” After a stay in the hospital, Hume was adopted in 2006 by an American Christian family from Pewee Valley, Kentucky. His new family had connections to professionals who could amputate his right leg, and by age 3, Hume got his first prosthetic leg. “I get a new leg just like everyone else gets a new pair of shoes,” Hume explained. “Whether I grow out of one or HOW HUME MET HARDING Freshman Grayson Hume brings his unique story to Harding’s campus. need a new one because it is worn down, it is no different than a pair of shoes.” Hume grew up trying to prove himself to his older siblings. He was competitive and able to do everything that his siblings could do. Activities such as volleyball, biking, rip-sticking, rock climbing and even skiing were some of his favorite things to do. “I have special skis and poles for when we go skiing,” Hume said. “It allows me to just use my left leg, which is normal for me because that is just how I learned to do it.” Coming to Harding was an exciting challenge for Hume. He wanted to go to a place away from home where he knew absolutely no one, and Harding was exactly what he wanted. Hume majored in construction science and spent most of his free time going to Sonic and playing volleyball. Hume was thought of very highly among his peers because of his positive attitude. “He’s a really fun person to be around,” freshman Bella Caballero said. “He’s funny, but he’s also genuine and able to have good conversations.” In addition, he was an inspiration to other people with PFFD. Although he had not been back to Ukraine since being adopted, Hume hoped to visit soon. “Grayson is such a light to be around,” freshman Madison Bell said. “He has a natural talent for making others feel seen and included.” Written by: Adele Duncan CHIT-CHATTING Freshmen Grayson Hume, Baylor Cooper, Jackson Pschierer and Emma Morgan socialize on the front lawn. Hume was born in Ukraine with PFFD. Photo by: Lauren Simmons
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==