Meet Eddie. The four-year-old loves Spiderman, construction vehicles, his little sister Annie and zooming around in his walker.

He’s also got his very own superpower!

Born at just 27 weeks, it was a time of a lot of unknowns and ‘wait and sees.’ He underwent multiple surgeries and spent weeks in The Royal Women’s Hospital NICU.

When Eddie was two years old, he was officially diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a group of movement disorders, which affects gross motor skills.

With support from teams including Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy at the RCH, Eddie’s now off and racing.

He’s learning to climb and run with the help of his walker and AFOs (Ankle Foot Orthosis devices).

Injections into his muscles have also helped significantly, allowing Eddie to climb the rope ladder at the park.

“We were all so excited,” says Mum Alicia. “Eddie was very proud of himself.”

Eddie’s parents and little sister Annie are with him every step, learning all about CP — one of his books describes it as a superpower with assistive technology as his superhero gear.

“Eddie likes that idea,” explains Alicia.

“Our kids will run their own race in their own time,” she says as an encouragement to other parents.

“Keep learning and celebrating all of the milestones big and small.”

As for Eddie’s next milestones?

He’s working towards learning to swim, learning to walk more independently and is already excited to start school…even if it’s 18 months away!

“We’re working with Eddie’s whole team towards him having as much independence as possible by the time he does get there”, says Alicia.

And beyond that? Eddie’s already talking about the future…

“Eddie is excited about is driving a car one day… and growing a beard,” jokes Alicia.

“He says both of these things are when he is 16!”