2-Year-Old Roman Defys Odds After Being Diagnosed With Spina Bifida

Do you believe in miracles? One little boy will make you.

Two-year-old Roman Dinkel was diagnosed with spina bifida at 20 weeks when his mother, Whitney Dinkel went in for her routine ultrasound. 

The defect is in the embryo's spine as it's developing, which can cause there to be extra fluid on his brain and spine, and could cause him to not being able walk.

His parents were still determined to fight and persevere. They even had Roman operated on while he was still in the womb to try and correct this problem to at least give him a chance at walking.  

"We just expected to hear the normal things — this is the size of the head, this is the size of his feet, all those fun things, but what we heard was he had extra fluid on his brain and extra fluid on his spine," Roman's mother Whitney Dinkel said.

Ever since he was born, the parents didn't give up. They kept trying to get him to do things every baby does, rollover, crawl and walk! 

"I had to let him fall a few times so he'd know I wouldn't be there to catch him, and he had to learn how to catch himself," Whitney said.

After many days of practicing,  Roman finally started walking on his own! And of course, momma bear captured his first walk on video!

It's so sweet, you can even hear him shout in excitement to the dog, Maggie.


The parents created a Facebook page called Defying Odds: Roman's Journey where they would document his journey with pictures, videos and updates on his condition.

Not only did this little cutie capture the hearts of many, he grew his own little fan base!

"From random people telling us their story, you know, how they were depressed, or you know, how they were suicidal, or how they were going through these medical situations and to see that he influenced them in a positive way to change their mindset and change their view it's just so heartwarming. It feels like he just gave hope to so many people with a seven-second clip."

Roman's parents started a  GoFundMe page after many people reached out and wanted to help him in his successful journey. 

"This money will go towards extra medical expenses, medical equipment, and to Romans personal bank account. We would also like to donate a portion of the proceeds to Spina Bifida of greater Kansas City."

Strong parents, made for a strong little boy! 

Roman is a perfect reminder to never give up and to have hope in defying the odds! 


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