Meet The Class of 17: Fighting Through Physical Limits With A Sunny Disposition

Heading to high school is a challenge for any kid. There are new friends, new teachers and the normal ups and downs of being a teenager.

For 15-year-old Chance Hawkins, the road is even tougher. Chance hasDuchennemuscular dystrophy, a genetic disease that causes muscle weakness and deterioration. Its often fatal by age 25.

Still, Chance is an upbeat kid. He's one of the students were following from 8th grade through high school for the series Class of 17, part of KERAs American Graduate initiative.

The KERA News story.

Like a lot of teenage boys, Chance Hawkins is spending the summer watching his favorite TV shows, playing video games and hanging out with family.

Twice a week, he also visits a pediatric rehab center for kids in his hometown of Fort Worth. Chance cant move his body much and gets around in a wheelchair.

That's where physical therapist Nathan Morgan comes in.

Morgan lays Chance down on an elevated cushioned mat. He stretches parts of the boy's body and applies pressure in some areas. Chance rests his head on a multicolored bean bag. The therapy helps him feel more comfortable.

Its not all business, though. On a recent afternoon, they talk about what Chance likes to read.

Itd have to be a good comic book, Chance says.

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Meet The Class of 17: Fighting Through Physical Limits With A Sunny Disposition