In Jacob Allie’s early years growing up, he explored various sports, like soccer, basketball, baseball and even swimming.
“I showed weakness in all of these sports, which led me to find out I have a disability,” says Jacob.
Jacob learned he had Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves. People with this disease experience weakness and atrophy of the muscles in the lower legs. Learning of his disability, Jacob gravitated towards his now favorite sport, wheelchair basketball! He’s been playing wheelchair basketball since 2013. Most recently, as Captain of the Motor City Wheelz, Jacob led the team to a second place victory in the National tournament!
Jacob recently graduated from Perry High School where he was an Honor Roll student and earned a 3.6 GPA. He’s participated in the school’s marching band for seven years as a percussionist and was the section leader for the pit percussion. He attended MDA camp for five years. During those years he fundraised for MDA and the MDA telethon.
This fall, Jacob plans to play for the adult wheelchair basketball team, The Detroit Diehards. He’ll do so while attending Lansing Community College to earn his basic course credits, which he will transfer to Edinboro College in Pennsylvania to play for their college wheelchair basketball team. Presently, Jacob is thinking of going into the social services field.
“Helping people with needs interests me, whether it’s from a teacher to a paraprofessional,” states Jacob.
“I showed weakness in all of these sports, which led me to find out I have a disability,” says Jacob.