SAN ANTONIO — Kobe Blackthunder is a carefree 3-year-old who loves Spiderman. He was born with eight fingers but his thumbs weren’t functioning due to radial longitudinal deficiency (RLD), a rare condition that affects the forearm.
After three surgeries he’s now able to function with six fingers. His parents, Angelia Noriega and Kobe Blackthunder couldn't be more proud of the progress he's made so far.
Izaa Gloves, a small business in Houston collaborated with a manufacturer in Mexico to create something that is a perfect fit for Kobe.
When Kobe is not in his mother and father’s lap, you’ll find him enjoying music or baseball.
“We reminded him that he was able to do anything no matter what,” Noriega said.
Kobe was born with radial longitudinal deficiency (RLD).
“I believe the first surgery he was one years old," Noriega said. "And they removed his first little thumb. Because it was holding on with just like a little bit of tissue.”
Three surgeries later, at the age of three. Kobe's father, also named Kobe Blackthunder, said he's made great progress following the procedures.
“Now he has thumbs and stuff like that," Blackthunder said. "So it’s been very very very good.”
Something else that has been very good for the family is receiving a customized baseball glove made in Houston from Izaa Gloves, owned by 16-year-old Izarely Almaguer. Her father, Jose Santiago, helps her with designs.
“I’m just glad I could help,” Santiago said.
Santiago and his daughter were looking forward to designing a baseball glove that 3-year-old Kobe could grow into. They're eager to help more children in need of a specialized glove.
“If there’s any other kid, boy or girl that needs a special glove," Santiago said. "Hey, I'm here. We’re here.”
Both Santiago and the Blackthunder family were connected to each other by a co-worker of Kobe’s dad.
“Thankfully he adjusted pretty well," Noriega said. "And he’s been doing really good. And he makes us really proud.”