Boy with rare birth defect is thriving

NEW JERSEY (FOX5NY) - Like any four year old, Kayden Kinckle loves to play.  He's also fast as lightning, with or without legs.

In her second trimester, Kayden's mom Nikki discovered her unborn son had a birth defect called omphalocele.  He would be born with his liver, bladder and intestines outside of his body.

Doctors encouraged Nikki to terminate the pregnancy but she refused to give up on her son.  After delivering Kayden he was quickly whisked into surgery to seal his abdomen but his legs were still severely deformed.  Kayden's family consulted with specialists and, fearing he would never walk on his own, ultimately decided to amputate both of his legs.

That was three years ago. Kayden made national news when video of his first steps went viral and Empire star Jussie Smollett was taken with his strength.  The two spent a day together roaming around Manhattan and Kayden now considers Jussie to be on eof his best friends.

Kayden will begin public school in the fall and Nikki hopes to integrate his story into the tristate area curriculum.  With several obstacles in Kayden's rearview, Nikki is eager to celebrate the small stuff.

The New Jersey family has a gofundme page to help raise money for Kayden's ongoing medical expenses. You can also call 1-855-4KAYDEN. They have raised about $87,000 of the $150,000 they hope to have donated.