Dr. Oz: Everyday Health Hero
Dr. Oz talked about his new Everyday Health Hero, a boy who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 18 months. After years of trying to communicate, his parents found a unique way of helping him to open up. His name is Mikey and this week, Dr. Oz met him and went for a run with him.
Dr. Oz: Young Man with Autism On Track to Run for the U.S.
Dr. Oz talked to his Everyday Health Hero, a young man who overcame his autism to become an incredible runner, now ranked as the #7 high school runner in the country. (Andrei Seleznev / Shutterstock.com)
Mikey is now 17 years old. When he was 3 years old, doctors told them to get waiting lists for group homes. They thought he would never be independent, never marry, never drive, and never go to college. His mom said she didn’t know they would find a way to overcome what the doctors say.
But Mikey found running and it changed everything. He goes through four pairs of running shoes in a year. He can run a mile in 4 minutes and 5 seconds. Running made Mikey open up and helped him to be able to focus on his academics. He’s ranked as the #7 high school runner in the country. He now says his dream is to be in the Olympics. But first, he wants to go to college.
Dr. Oz: Young Man with Autism Overcomes Limitations & Becomes Great Runner
Dr. Oz and Mikey went running and Mikey beat him pretty badly. Mikey said he loves the sport. His mom Edie said Mikey started running in fourth grade and within two years, he was able to absorb and focus other information. By sixth grade, he was able to do the exact same work as his peers. She said it’s incredible to see Mikey’s transformation. But she said Mikey is perfect the way he is and her’s the way he’s supposed to be.
Mikey is actually on track to run for our country in the Olympic Games. Dr. Oz introduced U.S. track and field Olympic silver medalist Leo Manzano, who came to surprise Mikey and tell him how proud of him all the Olympians. He said his times are on par with what other track and field stars were doing at his age. Leo Manzano presented him with a U.S. track and field jersey.
Dr. Oz: High Five Guy
Later, Dr. Oz introduced a man known as the “High Five Guy”, who runs around New York high-fiving unsuspecting people who are trying to hail cabs. He said he was new to New York and when people hail cabs, they’re left hanging. So he thought he should start high-fiving people. He made a video of high-fiving them and the reaction has been very positive.
CarlosM Lopez says
Dr Oz. thank you for having Michael Brannigan in your show.
I am a coach with Rolling Thunder, under Steve Cuomo that helps train some of our athletes to throw the shot put and the Discus. Rolling Thunder is an inspirational club that gives hope to athletes that know they can exceed but are held back by the system. Steve Cuomo is a wonderful man with a passion to help all athletes.
Mikey is a super hero in my book. He is an inspiration to all of us at Rolling Thunder and I am sure to all human beings. Not only is he a superb athlete but also a wonderful young man. I must give his parents praise for doing such a wonderful job with helping him accomplish his goals. Mickey, good luck with your college venture. Don’t look back and keep your spirits high.