Allen boy's slow rebound from enterovirus 68

DALLAS — The "S" on Bryan Sotelo's hat is for "Superman," because each little step takes super strength and concentration.

Bryan, 11, was paralyzed after catching what seemed to an ordinary cold this past summer. Though tests have yet to confirm it, doctors suspect his condition is the result of enterovirus 68.

MORE: Stories about enterovirus 68

INFO: CDC facts about enterovirus 68

The respiratory strain is responsible for a mysterious outbreak of polio-like symptoms in children nationwide.

Bryan began losing sensation in his limbs within three days of catching a cold. He was initially treated at Children's Medical Center of Dallas. When he was brought to Our Children's House at Baylor last month, he couldn't even speak.

"He's actually able to use his legs," physical therapist Laura Lee said, "and he's also able to reach for things; grasp for things with his left arm. He's doing great."

Occupational therapy is helping the Allen sixth-grader make daily progress. But this has been a frightening experience for his Yadira Soleto, a single mother with two young boys.

"It's really hard to stay in two places," she said. "My heart is broken."

Bryan wants his friends to know he's working hard to regain what he misses.

"[I want to] go to school and run, and be with my friends," he said.

Bryan is expected to be released to go home early next week. He will still require intensive therapy. It's unknown whether he will regain the ability to walk.

Bryan, however, is optimistic he will completely recover.

Those who know him say his bright outlook is another reason why this young man earns the "S" in "super."