The martial arts have helped thousands of youngsters grow up stronger. For one 6-year old metro Atlanta boy, the journey began at the tender age of three.
As a newborn, Michael and Lisa Matesvac's third son, Evan, was wasn't lifting his head or moving like his brothers.
Doctors diagnosed Evan with Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare genetic defect. It meant Evan would grow up with weak muscle tone and almost no energy.
"It was a very grave diagnosis when we first got it," said Michael Matesvac.
Because kids with Prader Willi often crave food, raising their risk of becoming obese, Evan started physical therapy as a newborn in the neonatal intensive care unit at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
"The first thing I said, was, 'Will I be able to play with him? Can I take him to the park with his brothers?' And when I knew that, I said, 'OK, I that's fine. I can work with whatever it is we have to deal with,'" said Michael Matesvac.
And for six long years, Evan has been dealing with it.
"He does so much, and he barely complains," Lisa Matesvac said.
Evan juggles six different sports and therapies at once and school. Going to Karate Atlanta in Dacula is the fun part, his parents said.
"We've been here since a week after Evan turned 3. Working hard. Trying to build that energy level, that coordination for him, that core body strength," Lisa Matesvac said.
When Evan joined the Tiny Tigers program he was so weak that he couldn't jump, or kick, but he kept coming and trying.
Evan became the first Tiny Tiger to earn a black belt.
It was a big moment for the 6-year old boy whose dad just wanted to him to be able to play.
"I'm not surprised, but I'm very excited, and I'm proud. He's been working continuously for 6 and a half years of his life. He's been working since he was born," said Michael Matesvac.
Evan comes from a family of taekwondo black belts. His mom has one. Both of his big brothers have one and his dad is on the brink of earning his black belt.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:20:11 GMT
Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of summer – is just days away. Thousands of Georgians are planning to fly somewhere, which is great, unless flying panics you.
Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of summer – is just days away. Thousands of Georgians are planning to fly somewhere, which is great, unless flying panics you.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:51 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:51:47 GMT
Chances are your child or someone in your child's class has at least one food allergy.
Chances are your child or someone in your child's class has at least one food allergy. A study by the CDC released last week shows that one in every 20 kids is dealing with food allergies. It's a challenge, but doctors say it's important that kids get diagnosed and treated.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:24 GMT
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician. So, how much does your doctor really need to know?
Monday, May 20 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:03:26 GMT
Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
Drop in on your friend's Facebook pages and blogs and you'll probably see a lot of photos of their kids. Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:28 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:28:40 GMT
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:00:47 GMT
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
Thursday, May 16 2013 12:02 AM EDT2013-05-16 04:02:20 GMT
Hundreds of American troops have lost a leg or arm in Afghanistan because of improvised explosive devices or homemade bombs.
Hundreds of American troops have lost a leg or arm in Afghanistan because of improvised explosive devices or homemade bombs. It was 29-year-old John Kremer's job to find those hidden bombs, and safely destroy them. That's what the Buford man was trying to do, when one of them exploded right under his feet.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 6:42 PM EDT2013-05-15 22:42:54 GMT
"You're fired!" Those are two words you never want to hear from anyone, especially your own doctor. But that can happen when patients and physicians don't see eye-to-eye.
"You're fired!" Those are two words you never want to hear from anyone, especially your own doctor. But that can happen when patients and physicians don't see eye-to-eye.
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds for 170 children's hospitals across the United States and Canada. Click here for more on our local heroes!
