A Shriners Children's Erie patient is gearing up for the spring sports season. Morgan lost her right arm and leg in an accident at 2 years old, but that hasn't stopped her from pursuing her dreams. 

Morgan, a 16-year old high school sophomore, is pursing a scholarship to play softball on the collegiate level. 

Morgan, who plays with a prosthetic leg, plays first base and bats for her high school. She plays for the Eisenhower Lady Knights and is also part of a competitive travel softball team. 

“Sometimes I have to find different ways to do things than other players, but I always do,” Morgan said. “You
just have to think outside the box. I work hard to keep up with everyone and think of ways to modify my game.
For example, I used to bat from the left-handed side of the plate, but I always got underneath the ball and hit a
lazy pop-up or struck out. Last summer I decided to try hitting as a right-hander. In my travel softball season, I
only had around six strikeouts in hundreds of at-bats. It’s just one way I’ve learned to adapt over the years.”

Morgan says Shriners has been there for her throughout her childhood. The hospital helped Morgan learn to walk, treated her during multiple surgeries, and helped ensure she could play sports and grow in a healthy manner. 

Morgan also received her prosthetics from Shiners Children's. 

“We couldn’t have asked for better care at Shriners Children’s,” Morgan’s mom Melody said. “They got
Morgan up and walking in no time. If it wasn’t for Shriners Children’s, I really don’t know where we would
have gone after the accident. Shriners Children’s always helped us find those different avenues for Morgan to
play sports. They steered us to adaptive skiing and always encouraged Morgan to try new things.”

According to Morgan, playing sports as an amputee can be very hard at times. However, she hopes she's setting an example all athletes can follow. She hopes they all learn how to embrace and push through all challenges. 

“It’ll be a huge accomplishment for me if I’m able to play on the collegiate level,” Morgan said. “I know I’ve
already gotten some looks from college programs, and I’m working hard toward earning a scholarship to play
softball.”