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A 12-year-old boy was diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare neurological condition affecting the spinal cord.

The diagnosis came after he experienced leg pain and lost the ability to stand or walk.

The family has faced significant life changes, including his mother quitting her job to care for him.

Twelve-year-old Matthew Vonotten uses a wheelchair because he can’t walk long distances without getting tired quickly.

The Ida Middle School seventh grader was recently diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM).

“It is an extremely rare neurological disease that affects the spinal cord and my legs,” he said.

In September, he had just started school and was looking forward to playing in his first football game when his symptoms started with leg pain a

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