Raphael's upper limb difference will not stop him
Hello, everyone! My name’s Raphael and I started preschool in January this year, 2024. It was the first time I’d been away from my Mummy, and I found that a little difficult. When I started preschool, all of my friends asked me about my ‘baby arm.’ That upset me because my arm’s normal to me and I can do everything that they can! My Mum thought it would be a great idea to write this story to share with my preschool friends, other mums and dads, and now I’m sharing it with the Limbs 4 Kids community!
Raphael enjoys a boat ride on Sydney Harbour.
Raphael has come to preschool to play and to make lots of new friends.
At preschool, we are all different. Some friends don’t look, or act like me and that’s OK. We’re all different and our uniqueness is what makes each of us special.
Some friends are tall, and some friends are short.
Some friends can talk, and some cannot.
Some friends have different coloured skin.
Some speak a different language.
Raphael’s right arm doesn’t look the same as most. He calls it his “baby arm.” Even though one of his arms is different, he can still do what I can do. He loves playing and having fun too! Raphael was born this way and he’s a superhero!
Raphael and his older brother, Charbel, play and roughhouse just like all siblings do!
Raphael can do anything that he wants to do. He loves going on bike rides with his brother, Charbel. He has a special, prosthetic arm that connects to his bike handle. It helps him to steer his bike, but… most of the time he doesn’t wear it as he can steer without it!
Raphael likes to help in the garden.
He likes to go tenpin bowling.
He can build tall, amazing towers with Lego.
Raphael likes to play and do fun things, just like me!
Even though we may look different on the outside, we’re all the same on the inside. We all feel happy when good things happen, and sad when bad things happen. It is really important to be kind.