Jerome is 25, of Irmo, S.C., was born without a right fibula. Throughout his childhood, he received expert care at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Greenville, including a below-the-knee amputation and his prosthetics. Jerome ran track in high school and college, and in 2007 he began competing on the U.S. Paralympic track and field team. In 2011, he won the men’s 100-meter event at the IPC Athletics World Championships in New Zealand and earned the title “Fastest Amputee in the World.”
Despite his success and busy schedule, Jerome takes time to visit the place that gave him an opportunity to thrive at a sport he loves.
“This is where it all started for me, right here in this hospital,” said Jerome. “I know what Shriners Hospitals does for the kids. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for this hospital.”