Rincon's shining light unfazed by disability

Sergey Shayevich/Staff Miguel Aboyte, who lost his legs at age 8 after a spinal surgery went wrong, is a competitive basketball player who played on a wheelchair team in Mexico.

"I can do all things through Christ, because He gives me strength." Philippians 4:13.

This verse from the Bible lives in the heart of Miguel Aboyte, a senior at Rincon High School.

Aboyte has been wheelchair-bound for 11 years and has been a shining light at Rincon for almost two years. This amazing young man has overcome many obstacles and has beaten the odds to take on life's challenges — head-on with full force — even if it means pushing through the crowded halls of Rincon.

At age 8, Aboyte was living in Mexico and had to undergo spinal surgery. The surgeon made a crucial mistake while operating, putting Aboyte's life at stake. In order to save this young life, he had to amputate both of Aboyte's legs. Since then, Aboyte has had to live with the fact that one man's mistake can change another man's life forever.

Aboyte says he used to have a lot of anger once he noticed others running, dancing and taking part in activities that now would be challenging for him. He began to ask, "Why?" He did not settle for the answer the world gave him: "Life isn't always fair."

Aboyte says he kept searching and found the truth. He began to read the Bible when a passage out of the ninth chapter in the Book of John really spoke to him. It is about a man who is born blind so God's power and light could be shown in him. Aboyte strongly feels that God was working on him and strengthening him for the awesome plans that are in store for him. He now vibrantly believes that God can use him as a vessel of his power and love.

"I could not do this alone. My faith in God keeps me going," says Aboyte. He says that with God's help, he has transformed the anger that once lived inside him into a burning desire to make a difference with his life. He wants to be an example for all who can do things but don't, a shining light of inspiration and hope.

Since this time of searching, Aboyte has found the motivation that has already touched many hearts and lives. Not once has he encountered someone who has felt uncomfortable around him. Many seem to be amazed and inspired by the light he radiates.

"He brings joy and laughter to my life, and I would like to thank God for giving me the opportunity to have someone to look up to," says Jorge Campoy.

Aboyte does not allow his wheelchair to limit his ongoing flame for life. With the help of Sun Tran buses or the wheels of his chair, Aboyte is always on the go. Rarely ever can you find this young man at home!

In all that he does, he has a great time. In every situation, he looks for the positive and never fails to crack a joke. He is an active member of his church youth group and of Hispanic Students With Voices Club at Rincon.

He is a talented and competitive basketball player and played on a wheelchair basketball team in Mexico. Since then, Aboyte has practiced with the Wheelchair Wildcats. He is dedicated to studying hard to earn a college scholarship and plans on studying computer science while using his love for music to glorify God.

Aboyte sees the loss of his legs as a blessing in disguise. He believes that he could not have seen all he has seen and would not be who he is today without it.

"Anywhere I need to go, I don't need to walk," says Aboyte.

Susan Marascalco is a senior at Rincon High School.