It’s too hard. I can’t do it. I give up.
These phrases are often uttered by both adults and children when the going gets tough.
Next time you hear someone say one of these or feel like letting one pass through your lips, just think of Dusten Kabisch-Beach.
During the fall months, the Oxford Middle School seventh-grader can be seen running cross country with his teammates. Hard to believe 15 years ago, Dusten wasn’t even expected to live.
Born after only 23 weeks of gestation with a low birth weight of 1 pound, 9 ounces, Dusten experienced a brain bleed that led to his development of cerebral palsy.
The odds were against Dusten right from the start. He faced a whole host of medical issues including having his right lung collapse twice.
Although he persevered as an infant, doctors told his parents, Tab and Tanja, that Dusten wouldn’t walk and they’d be lucky if he was able to speak.
But the one thing the doctors didn’t count on was a mother’s unconditional love and willingness to dedicate her life to not only her son’s survival, but his development as any other boy.
‘He’s been Tanja’s work for the last 15 years,? Tab said.
Today, Dusten speaks both English and German, and his running time keeps getting better and better.
‘When he first started, he couldn’t even run a mile,? said Tab, noting the first full mile Dusten ever ran took him nearly 20 minutes.
But with plenty of hard work and practice, he was finally able to run a mile in 11:53 last year. This year, Dusten’s new best time is 19:20 for two miles.
Running alongside Dusten during these races is mom Tanja, who’s there to make sure he doesn’t fall or get lost on an unfamiliar course.
Because the cerebral palsy primarily affects the left side of Dusten’s body, his ability to adjust his balance to changing conditions is limited, according to Tab.
Tanja’s also there to lend moral support to her son.
‘We encourage each other along the way,? she said. ‘We kinda keep each other going.?
Moral support is something Dusten’s definitely not lacking when he’s out there running. He receives plenty of encouragement from his teammates, other runners? parents, even members of the varsity cross country squad.
‘He has his own little cheering section,? Tanja said.
‘You’ll hear the kids start yelling, ‘Go Dusten, go!? and then ‘Go Dusten’s, mom!??, according to Tab.
Even parents from opposing schools have taken an interest in Dusten and are always glad to see him at meets.
Watching Dusten cross the finish line is almost always an emotional experience.
‘I’ve been in tears more than once, but so have other moms,? Tanja said.
Running cross country has been good for Dusten both physically and mentally.
Since he began running last year, his legs have gotten stronger and his balance has improved.
‘The stairs aren’t as much of a problem as they used to be,? Tab said. ‘This has become physical therapy for him.?
‘We’ve also noticed his health has gotten better, like his ability to fight off a cold.?
The self-discipline Dusten’s learned from running has helped improve his concentration which in turn has led to better results in his school work.
Being part of a team has given him plenty of new friends and a sense of camaraderie he’s never felt before.
From encouraging him at practice to helping him with homework, the team has ‘just been so good to him,? according to Tanja.
‘They go out of their way for him,? Tab said.
Dusten’s inspirational effect on the team is something coaches Michael Forrester and Ryan Kline are very grateful for.
‘We’re better off as a team because of him,? Forrester said. ‘Seeing individuals who have different physical obstacles not let that stop them ? I think it’s useful for others to see and not take what we have for granted.?
‘It puts life more into perspective. It’s not all just about winning or trophies or medals. There are things that are more important.?
Kline described Dusten as a ‘good-natured? athlete who gets just as ‘fired up? about competing as anyone else.
‘He’s a fun kid to have on the team,? he said. ‘I think he’s made a positive impact.?