SAN ANTONIO (WOOD) — Twelve-year-old Jude Stamper sat in the Michigan team hotel, clothed head to toe in maize and blue. That includes custom-made Jordans a friend of his with cancer made for him. He said they need to be touched up.
Those shoes seen some travel, going with him all the way from his hometown of Monroe in southeast Michigan to San Antonio. On Monday night, they’ll be just feet from the court inside of the Alamodome and just 40 minutes away from a national championship. But those shoes rarely hit the floor.
Jude has a rare condition called arthrogryposis. His joints can lock and curve, making movement hard. Jude also has something called prune belly syndrome, meaning his abdominal muscles are underdeveloped. Since the age of 3, he has undergone 12 surgeries. He uses a wheelchair to get around.
Despite the challenges he faces, he's living his lifelong dream: to be a part of a team.
In November 2017, Michigan men's basketball head coach John Beilein drafted Jude. The program worked in collaboration with Team IMPACT, an organization that pairs kids who have chronic illnesses with universities that need new teammates. They held a press conference and Jude signed his intent. Now the self-proclaimed “passionate Michigan fan” is part of a championship run.
Full story: WOOD TV