Team Cody was formed in 2004 with the sentiment of raising funds for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) as a way to say “Thank You” for all they had done for Cody McCasland. Since then it has transformed into so much more. Team Cody has raised funds for both TSRHC and Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) directly in excess of $200,000, and unforeseen indirect dollars. It has also served as a tool for Cody and his family to spread his story and message of courage, attitude, and living life to the fullest all around the world.

Cody McCasland is a double above knee amputee. He was born with a rare birth defect called Sacral Agenesis that caused his legs to form missing both his tibias and knees. He has been receiving care at TSRHC since he was just two months old. After numerous consultations with Dr. Tony Herring, Cody’s orthopedic surgeon and the chief of staff at TSRHC, it was decided that it was in Cody’s best interest to amputate his legs through the knee to give him a chance at mobility. This surgery was completed when Cody was just 15 months old, and he received his first set of prostheses when he was 17 months old. At the age of 14, Cody has undergone more than 25 surgeries, has gone through more than 20 sets of prosthetic legs.

In 2009, Cody was asked to be a Spokesperson for CAF. As a Spokesperson for CAF, Cody attends athletic events, fundraisers and clinics to assist in furthering the mission of CAF by supporting physically challenged persons in their quest to reach their athletic goals. Cody has also served as a mentor to new challenged athletes. Being a spokesperson and multi-year grant recipient from CAF, Cody has been able to train, travel and compete in various athletic events around the USA to help him reach his goal of competing in the Paralympics in Tokyo in 2020. He acts as an inspiration for others, such as our military professionals that have come back from Afghanistan and Iraq with amputations. Cody has been allowed the opportunity to meet with several of these service members, spending time with them and showing off his “unlimbited” abilities. He feels very privileged to share their time and looks forward to continue with these meetings. Cody has also had the opportunity to speak at several corporate events and in schools, discussing overcoming obstacles and having a positive attitude. He has spoken to people both nationally and internationally. He has met with injured military at the Brooke Army Medical Center, Center for the Intrepid and in San Diego. He empathizes and supports them noting that even though they have lost a limb they can still be active and do anything they want. He motivates and inspires them that disability is in your mind not with what your body looks like. Cody gives them hope.

Cody has been very expressive about his dreams of going to the Paralympics for swimming in 2020. With the support of family, coaches, friends, prosthetics from TSRHC, Challenged Athletes Foundation and other supporters, Cody hopes make these dreams a reality!