Seven-year-old Avery Thomas doesn’t walk like other kids — and he never lets that stop him. Avery lives with RYR-1 myopathy, a rare muscle disease that causes severe weakness and has taken the lives of his two younger siblings. But at Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, Avery is proving every day that he’s stronger than the challenges he faces.

He reads, writes and has even self-published his own book — a story about courage on the day of a big race. In that story, much like in life, Avery shows his heart. When another boy falls mid-race, Avery wheels over to help.

His parents say that kindness is who he is.

“This doesn’t define him,” says his father, Jemel. “He’s unstoppable.”

Avery didn’t come in first place, but he still won - by showing everyone what bravery looks like.