PEARLAND, Texas — Some people never realize what they want to do with their life, or it’s too late when they do.
When a child figures out their dream, it’s remarkable.
In Pearland, 11-year-old Kim Garcia saw what she wanted on television.
“I saw it on the summer Olympics,” Kim said. “I love archery!”
After school, Kim practices at X10 Archery off Honeywell Road in Houston.
“I practice two or three times a week,” Kim said. “Depending on how much homework I have.”
Math is Kim’s favorite subject at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Junior High where she is in all advanced placement 6th grade classes.
“I’m so proud of her,” said Kim’s mom, Lisa Bass.
KHOU 11 News met Kim and Bass during a training session at X10 Archery where Kim has been practicing for the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Winter Games of Texas. This time last year, Kim couldn’t compete.
“She was having a lot of knee pain and falling,” Bass said. “That’s how it all started.”
Kim was born with Greig Cephalopolysyndactyly Syndrome, a disorder that affects development of her limbs, head and face.
“Her kneecaps didn’t form correctly,” Bass said. “She has a ball of cartilage behind each knee cap.”
The condition will keep doctors from correcting the issue until Kim’s growth plates stop growing.
“I didn’t know if I could shoot archery again,” Kim said.
Kim stepped away from archery for months.
“I lost a bunch of muscles,” Kim said.
After an exploratory surgery, Kim tried to shoot in a wheelchair. Then her "X10 family" found a shooting chair made for hunters. The chair brought life back into Kim’s bow.
On Jan. 20, Kim competed and won her division at the Winter Games in her hometown.
“I felt good about it,” Kim said. “Now I’m doing what I used to do again and what I love again.”