2-year-old boy with spina bifida now running after taking inspiring first steps

A young child from Kansas, born with a rare disease, has become an inspiration around the world. A video, now watched by millions of people, captured the moments when 2-year-old Roman Dinkel defied the odds and walked for the first time.

Roman has spina bifida, a birth defect that prevents the spinal cord from forming properly. He also had hydrocephalus, extra fluid around the brain. Two surgeries were performed on the brain before the first birthday and one on the spine before birth.

Each case is different, but the spina bifida affects all parts of life.

Ever since CBS News first spoke to her parents, Whitney and Adam Dinkel, Roman has not only walked, but run. He also has to go to Disney. But for Whitney and Adam Dinkel, who also have two older children, the progress is surrounded by constant questions.

“When he has a headache or something, we have to take it seriously. We can’t just say, ‘Oh, you’re fine,'” Whitney said.

“As parents we have to keep ticking the boxes and say, ‘Is it normal for kids? Or is it something for hydrocephalus? Or is it something for spina bifida,'” Adam said.

Whitney said with a thorn in her side, “You’re never completely out of the woods.”

“You just learn to live in the forest,” he added.

His Facebook page lets people around the world learn more about spina bifida as they share Roman’s journey and message.

“It just shows what love should be like. For any human being, this is how the world should be,” Adam said.

Learn more about spina bifida.