A Father’s Love

Myles Favata is a 15-year-old born with spina bifida, a congenital disability affecting the spinal cord. Since the day he was born, Myles and his father, Jamie, have shared an indescribable bond characterized by inside jokes, constant encouragement, unwavering support, and a deep love for each other. 

At eight years old, Jamie took Myles to his first adaptive sled hockey practice with the Central New York Flyers, opening up a community of support and friendship. Seven years later, the Favatas are still part of the team, and Jamie is now the team manager. Adaptive sports programs are a vital experience for individuals with disabilities. For Myles, sports have always been an integral part of his life, and the Flyers allow him to experience it, “I may be playing a different sport, but I’m still playing sports…I found a sport that I love to play, and I can play. There’s nothing better than that.” In recent years, these programs have become more numerous and accessible, providing more people with the opportunity to participate in physical activity, improve mental health, build skills, and connect with others facing similar challenges. 

Jamie is a devoted father, his son’s best friend, and his fiercest advocate. Whether challenging corporate policies, building a ramp for backyard access, or driving countless hours for hockey practices, Jamie fights to secure every opportunity for his son and extends his advocacy beyond his family. As treasurer for CNY Adaptive Sports, the organization that founded the Flyers and eight additional adaptive sports programs, he works to ensure an open space for everyone to participate, expand the reach of adaptive sports, and raise awareness about their importance. 

As Myles continues to grow and thrive, it is clear that the bond between him and Jamie plays an essential role in his life. Myles’ disability does not define him, but it does create physical challenges that require daily resilience by him and his family. Often, physical disabilities are approached medically with a desire to “fix” the issue, ignoring the role of supportive, loving parents in predicting a positive outcome for children with chronic conditions. The love, support, and advocacy Jamie gives Myles foster his strength and ability to adapt to adversity. Love is more than an emotion, it is a powerful force that opens opportunities, inspires resilience, and creates change. A Father’s Love explores the extraordinary relationship between Myles and Jamie, highlighting Jamie’s vital role in his son’s life. 

Story Awards: Hearst Photojournalism II 6th place 2025

Jamie Favata helps his son, Myles Favata, put on his gear before their charity game against the Syracuse men’s club hockey team. Myles fell in love with hockey at age three while watching a game on TV with his dad. After watching the Paralympics in
Myles Favata smiles on the ice during a team practice at Tennity Ice Pavilion. For Myles, like most teenage boys, sports are a central part of life. Whether managing his high school’s hockey team or competing with the Flyers, sports allow Myles to
Jamie and Myles share a laugh over a photo of Myles’ hair from a recent hockey game. From the moment Myles was born, he and Jamie have shared a unique bond. The two can only describe their relationship as “untraditional,” moving beyond the tradition
On behalf of CNY Adaptive Sports, Jamie explains adaptive bikes and scooters to families at The Jowonio School, a nonprofit preschool serving young children with various abilities. As the treasurer of CNY Adaptive Sports, the organization behind the
Myles was born with spina bifida, a congenital birth defect that occurs when the spine doesn’t close properly during fetal development. As a result, Myles deals with partial paralysis and hydrocephalus as a result of the damaged neural pathways and a
Myles competes with the CNY Flyers in their annual charity match against the Syracuse University men’s club hockey team. The team offers Myles more than an opportunity to play a sport. It provides him and others a space to grow as individuals. Throu
Jamie rides an adaptive bike, showing parents and students at The Jowonio School how it works. Jamie’s advocacy for Myles extends far beyond sports. When Myles was younger, Jamie took on two groups of corporate lawyers to get bladder management serv
The father and son share a quiet moment in their basement, watching Sunday afternoon sports. Parenting a child with different abilities comes with challenges no amount of research can fully prepare you for. For the Favatas, the Flyers are a source
Jamie fixes loose nails on the ramp he built, connecting Myles’ room to the backyard patio. Many things most parents take for granted are daily considerations or struggles for the Favatas. While Myles has grown more independent and self-sufficient,
Jamie waits for Myles to get home from school so they can leave for their tournament in Albany. Playing on the same team has deepened their already strong bond. Whether traveling across the Northeast for games or teaming up to score goals, hockey ha
Jamie and Myles laugh while looking at a baby photo of Myles on Jamie’s phone. When Jamie and his wife, Diane, learned that Myles would be born with a congenital disability, they made a choice about how they would raise him. They decided to raise hi
The Central New York Flyers practice at Sunny Crest Ice Rink with their head coach, Chuck Gridley. Weekly practices didn’t just spark Myles’ love for the sport; they also sparked Jamie’s. Over time, Jamie found himself becoming an integral part of t
Hockey pucks, including Myles’ first-ever goal puck, decorate his room walls and document his love for the sport. Being part of a team has allowed Myles to grow as an athlete and individual. Over the years, Jamie has seen Myles become more confident
Myles sits in the living room with his dad, watching a soccer game, one of the many shared moments in their home. Myles wants others to understand that his disability doesn’t define him. While it may influence certain aspects of his life, it doesn’t
After practice, Jamie helps Myles transition from his sled back into his wheelchair. For Jamie, advocating for Myles is simply part of being a father. He’s committed to ensuring nothing stands in the way of Myles’ passions and works tirelessly to f