Portraits of Oregon - Hunter

Hi, I’m Hunter. I have lived in Eugene, Oregon my entire life.

My mom found out before I was born that I had Myelomeningocele Spina Bifida. It is a type of neural tube birth defect where the backbone doesn’t close before birth. It can happen anywhere along the spine. My opening was at the lumbar level. It resulted in that part of my spinal cord and nerves being damaged. Due to the damage I also have hydrocephalus and Chiari ll Malformation. Which means the cerebrospinal fluid can’t drain properly due to brain stem abnormalities, so I have a VP shunt. It allows the fluid to move away from my brain into my abdomen. I’ve had more surgeries than I can count.

I was homeschooled kindergarten through 12th grade. I also took classes outside the home. My favorites were art and nature classes.

During my early teen years I learned about Ability First Sports Camp in Chico, California. It was such an amazing time getting to try archery, cycling, tennis, waterskiing, wheelchair basketball, and rugby. I loved it so much I’ve gone back every year. (Minus two years due to COVID)

I enjoy tattoos. I currently have ten and I’m always planning more. I also like playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends. We meet up bi-weekly to game. It’s helped with my depression and it’s been good all around for my mental health to hang out with friends and explore fantasy worlds.

I’m also part of the Wednesday Wheelers. We meet up every week and wheel around park trails. During the cold, rainy months we wheel around the mall.

In general I try to be a kind, considerate person. I’m glad to be part of this project to bring more awareness to the community and I hope others will participate as well.