25 Jun Dancing Through the Pain: Wyatt’s Story

Wyatt moved to Kansas City at 16 to join the Kansas City Ballet’s pre-professional program. He loved ballet and thought he might want to pursue it. But just a few weeks into the program in 2023, he tore the labrum in his shoulder and had to return home to South Dakota for surgery. He made it back to KC in time for the second semester, only to blow out his knee. Over the next 18 months, he underwent three surgeries.

“He was injured or recovering from surgery for a pretty significant stretch of time, and we were trying to determine how much of his pain was tied to the trauma his body had been through, and how much was ‘different,’” his father, Jeremy, said. “Because he is so driven, it was hard to see that he was in so much pain. He was still performing ballet, he was still doing well at school, so that was a little bit of the tension of understanding what he was actually dealing with.”

Wyatt had been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and was receiving care at Children’s Mercy Kansas City. But through his own research, he began to suspect that something else was going on—his pain felt more intense and persistent than what could be explained by his surgeries alone. He came across Amplified Pain Syndrome and recognized many of his own symptoms. When he brought it up to his doctors, they confirmed his instincts: Wyatt had diagnosed himself correctly, and Amplified Pain Syndrome is often seen alongside EDS. He was evaluated and found to be a candidate for the RAPS program (Rehabilitation for Amplified Pain Syndrome), and he was eager to enroll as soon as possible.

But the pain didn’t slow Wyatt down. Incredibly driven, he continued dancing and excelling academically while he waited for treatment. He’s performed 17 times at the Chicago Opera House—an impressive feat for any dancer, let alone one battling chronic pain. Wyatt also graduated high school early and began college at only 17, a testament to his resilience and determination.

When Wyatt finally got the call that a spot had opened in the RAPS program, he didn’t hesitate to take it. His parents, Susan and Jeremy, were determined to support him every step of the way—they knew how demanding the program could be, both physically and mentally, especially for teens. Thankfully, the whole family found comfort and care at Ronald McDonald House Kansas City during Wyatt’s journey.

“We were aware of the Ronald McDonald House, but didn’t understand or appreciate the entirety of what the charity does”, Jeremy said. “It was so nice for us to settle in for an extended stay, to have a place to work remotely for both my wife and me, and to connect with other RAPS families going through a similar experience.”

Jeremy recalls the meals, the therapy dogs, and especially the Trent & Julie Green workout space—not just for himself, but for Wyatt as well. On weekends, when Wyatt needed to keep up with his exercises for the program, having that space made it easy.

Now back home and a proud RAPS program graduate, Wyatt is enjoying life with his pain under control and sharing meaningful father-son moments, including a newfound love for running.

“It’s been a fun way for us to connect and do something together, which literally wouldn’t have been possible before the RAPS program,” said Jeremy.

While staying at Ronald McDonald House Kansas City was incredibly helpful for their situation, it also gave them perspective on what other families were going through.

“Seeing the tough situations the other families staying at the House were facing, with small children and hard diagnoses, it put in perspective how important the Ronald McDonald House is to our communities,” said Jeremy.

The family hopes to give back and plans to volunteer at their local Ronald McDonald House as soon as they’re able.