The Inspirational Story of Carson Pickett

Carson Pickett is in the spotlight for her infamous photo with, now 2-year-old, Joseph Tidd. Some knew of Carson’s story before this event, but many did not know her name until Joseph’s mom, Colleen, shared their photo on Instagram.

The initial thought is to notice their physical uniqueness since both Carson and Joseph don’t have a left arm. However, there is so much more than meets the eye.

Carson’s childhood

Carson was born on September 15, 1993, in Spartanburg, North Carolina, to Treasure and Michael Pickett. She grew up in Fleming Island, Florida, where she attended St. Johns Country Day School.

Her mother was a school principal while her father was a physical education teacher, as well as a soccer coach.

Carson was born with a birth defect

Carson was born with upper limb reduction, essentially meaning that part of her left arm did not fully form.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 2,250 babies are born each year in the United States with a limb reduction.

Growing up

When she was six months old, doctors had a prosthetic arm fitted for her. She disliked it so much that she took it off and figured out how to crawl on the floor without it.

She eventually taught herself to tie her shoes, paint her nails, ride a bike, and braid her hair.

Carson’s role models

Carson started playing soccer from the age of five. She fell in love with the sport, and it helped with her dad acting as coach. Carson looked up to all the great women soccer players, like Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, and Michelle Akers.

However, none of these women were born with the same unique trait as Carson, so she found it difficult to see herself in the pros.