Heart As Big as a Mountain

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4-year-old with rare disorder 'doesn't see the obstacles'

Mitchell Cupps, 4, goes through exercises with Master Hwan Seo at the Golden Dragon Tae Kwon Do studio. Mitchell has a rare form of dwarfism, and the tae kwon do exercises provide him with flexibility and a lot of physical benefits. JAMES GIBBARD / Tulsa World

By KIM ARCHER World Staff Writer
Published: 3/29/2009 2:23 AM
Last Modified: 3/29/2009 3:26 AM

Like many 4-year-olds, Mitchell Cupps likes SpongeBob SquarePants and toy trains.

The spunky boy with blonde tufts of hair loves to skateboard and tell knock-knock jokes. And he packs it all in a tiny body the size of a 9-month-old infant.

At 18 pounds and 27 1/2 inches tall, Mitchell has one of the rarest forms of dwarfism in the world. He is one of only four people in the U.S. with a rare disorder called Schimke Immuno Osseous Dysplasia.

His parents, Troy and Michelle Cupps, only learned his diagnosis for certain a month ago. Two doctors, one in British Columbia and one in Germany, confirmed through genetic testing that the boy has the disorder.

They also learned Mitchell's lifespan may only be 8 to 17 years.

"It was kind of bittersweet, I'll be honest," Michelle Cupps said. "All we wanted for four years was to find out what he had. We wanted that closure. But when we found out, it was just

sad."

The disorder weakens Mitchell's immune system due to a T-cell deficiency. He is at risk for strokes. His kidneys are diseased and he will likely need a transplant. He has migraines so debilitating he must be hospitalized.

When the Cupps look at their son, they often see the obstacles he must overcome.

"But he doesn't see the obstacles. He looks to see, 'How am I going to do this?' " Michelle Cupps said. "The great thing about Mitchell truly is that he has taught our entire family to have more compassion for others."

Mitchell knows he is a dwarf, his mother said.

"Sometimes when he meets people, he says, 'I'm a dwarf. What kind are you?'" Michelle Cupps said.

Yet Mitchell is not defined by his disorder. He plays with his brothers, Shelton and Trenton, and sister, Megan. He goes to preschool at Metro Christian Academy. And he takes private Tae Kwon Do lessons just like his brothers and his dad.

"He brings joy to everybody and a smile to their face," said Eva Shoemake, who cares for the Cupps' children as their parents operate their physician billing business.

Since Mitchell began his Tae Kwon Do lessons, Troy Cupps said, his son has improved his flexibility and built self-confidence. Mitchell's teacher is Master Hwan Seo (pronounced So), who owns the Golden Dragon Tae Kwon Do studio in south Tulsa.

Seo said the tiny boy has touched his heart.

"I'm teaching him like my son," said Seo. "He's small but his heart is as big as a mountain."

During a recent lesson, Mitchell repeatedly kicked a red bag shouting, "Yes, sir!" when he was done. Then face up on the mat, hips high, Mitchell arched his back.

"He's determined to get a yellow striped belt," said Troy Cupps. "He will have to break a board to get it."

About two weeks ago, the Cupps got a shot of hope for Mitchell's future, said Michelle Cupps.

A doctor in Vancouver told the family he wants to clone the boy's cells to test a medication used successfully with multiple sclerosis patients. The medication is expected to bypass the mutation that causes her son's disorder and improve and perhaps prolong his life, she said.

If it works with the cloned cells, Mitchell could be the first Schimke patient to test the medication within the next six months, Cupps said.

"We went from gloom to a sign of hope," she said. "It's phenomenal."

Kim Archer 581-8315
kim.archer@tulsaworld.com

By KIM ARCHER World Staff Writer

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.Missy..M, ` (last year)

Sometimes such as this instance little is better than bigger.God bless them and may their cup runneth over full of love and happiness for as long as the world turns.

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.Missy..M, ` (last year)

Thanks Mr Seo for having a big heart also.

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Cupps Family, (last year)

Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. We are very thankful!

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Bullhead, Nicut (last year)

You hang in there, Mitchell. And you too Mr. Seo. God has put a star in your crown for what you're doing.

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Mistic_wolf, Tahlequah (last year)

I belive that we are all put here on earth for a reason. Some of us will never fully know our reason but I beleave this young man, his family and Mr. Seo know theres. Good Bless you and good luck. You are a wonderful roll model Mitchell!!

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