SPOKANE, Wash. — Rather than letting his disability define his limits, 18-year-old Rhett Owens has channeled his determination into athletic excellence, becoming a triathlete with his sights set on the 2028 Paralympic Games.
Born with cerebral palsy, Owens faces physical challenges that affect the right side of his body.
Owens is a patient at Shriners Children’s Spokane and competes with Parasport Spokane. His journey began when his family moved to Spokane nearly a decade ago and discovered specialized care that would transform his life.
“We didn’t know what we were lacking in care for him until we came here,” said Taesha Owens, Rhett’s mother.
The Owens family learned about Shriners through a friend’s recommendation. The difference in care was immediate.
“People just offered help, saying, ‘Oh, we could do this for him. And this might benefit him.’ Instead of saying, ‘Well, let’s check to see if this is something that would work,’ it was specific to him and what he needed,” Taesha Owens explained.
Rhett’s cerebral palsy affects his right arm, right leg, fingers and toes. Despite these challenges, his parents never stopped seeking ways to help him achieve his goals.
“He’s inspired me his whole life. His whole life has just been,” Taesha said, while Richard added, “Yeah. It’s motivated us. We know that he’s got all the heart in the world.”
Rhett began treatment at Shriners when he was 12. Now 18, he describes the experience as life-changing.
“I found a really good team and provider to work with for anything with my disability, and I’ve loved it here ever since my first visit back in 2018,” Rhett said.
Lauren Drury, one of Rhett’s physical therapists at Shriners, has witnessed his dedication firsthand.
“He is really, really dedicated and determined and you can give him a little, a little tip and he’s going to do it 100, 100%,” Drury said. “It’s nice that he can feel comfortable and confident in his abilities because of the care we’ve been able to provide him.”
Drury also introduced Rhett to Parasport Spokane, which furthered his love for sports and boosted his confidence in competition. Through this program, Rhett has earned high accolades in multiple sports.
The care at Shriners has given Rhett more than physical therapy — it has provided him with the foundation for independence and athletic achievement.
His ultimate goal remains clear: competing in the Paralympic Games.
“It’s definitely motivated me. Just because I know LA 2028, those games are coming up,” Rhett said.
For the Owens family, Shriners Children’s Spokane has been transformative. Rhett’s philosophy reflects the determination that has carried him this far.
“Always push my limits and always give it my all. Despite my limits and disability,” he said.
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