Riley Josie

“Riley Josie, a long-time resident of Herriman, is the youngest of four boys and lives with Ellis Van Creveld Syndrome, a rare form of dwarfism that affects his bones, nails, and heart. Born and raised in Utah, Riley has spent his entire life in the state, living in Herriman for nearly 20 years. His condition hasn’t slowed him down one bit, as he leads an active and dynamic life filled with passion, hobbies, and a strong connection to his community. One of his favorite activities is running, something he has dedicated himself to despite physical challenges. Riley logs 40 miles a week, running six days without fail. While he admits he’s not the fastest, his dedication and love for the sport keep him going. “”I might not be the most efficient runner, but I love it and have worked hard to maintain the pace I have,”” he shares.

Music is another central part of Riley’s life. He’s not just a fan—he’s a creator. He has written his own songs and even performs with friends in a little band that has been putting on a Halloween-themed “”Spooky Show”” for years. His love for creativity extends into other hobbies as well, like playing video games, building LEGO sets, and enjoying all things “”nerdy.”” These outlets allow him to express himself fully and add joy to his life, even when other parts of life present challenges.

Riley’s personal life is currently at an exciting turning point. He’s gearing up for his wedding this November to his fiancée, who he describes as his best friend and biggest supporter. “”I’m marrying my best friend in November, and it’s hands-down the most exciting thing happening in my life right now,”” Riley says with a smile. After the wedding, Riley plans to return to college, a step that feels both exciting and daunting. “”Going back to school is a little scary, but I’m ready for it,”” he admits.

When it comes to work, Riley is part of his family’s business, helping build foundations for homes alongside his father and brother. While construction isn’t the most physically accessible job for someone with Ellis Van Creveld Syndrome, Riley has never let that stop him. “”I can’t lift 10-foot panels like the others, but I still find ways to contribute equally,”” he says. This determination to make the most out of every situation is something Riley learned early in life. Growing up shorter than his peers, he faced bullying but never let it define him. With the support of family and friends, he developed a thick skin and a sense of humor. “”Kids can be mean, but I learned to handle it by joking about it and standing up for myself when I had to,”” he recalls.

Riley’s journey hasn’t been without its struggles. In addition to living with dwarfism, he has also been diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a mental health condition that can make everyday tasks more challenging. While OCD is something Riley continues to manage, running has become a helpful outlet for his mental health. “”Running has helped me deal with OCD in ways I didn’t expect. It clears my mind and gives me a sense of control,”” he shares.

Looking back on his life so far, Riley feels that his experiences have shaped him into a stronger, more resilient person. He’s proud of the way he’s handled the cards he’s been dealt and is grateful for the people who have supported him along the way—especially his family, friends, and fiancée. “”My brothers, parents, and friends have been my biggest inspirations, teaching me to handle things with grace and humor,”” Riley says. He’s even willing to admit, at his fiancée’s urging, that he’s most proud of his “”gorgeous legs.””

As Riley looks ahead to his future, his main goal is to continue being the best version of himself for the people who matter most. While he’s still figuring out the rest, one thing is for sure: Riley’s positive attitude, determination, and strong sense of self will continue to guide him through whatever challenges come his way.”