Daniel Shoots for the Moon with World-Class Care

Each night before bed, Daniel tells his mom, Karen, about his day. His favorite stories recount basketball games or swimming with Kids in Action, an adaptive sports and social program. Children's National Hospital created the program specifically for kids with disabilities. “The Kids in Action team goes above and beyond for Daniel,” Karen says. “He has experienced so many new things through their activities.”

Daniel was born with spina bifida, which means that his spinal cord did not close properly. He frequently visited a range of specialists and underwent five surgeries at Children's National to connect his spine, protect his nerves and increase his mobility.

In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Daniel's care team did everything they could to make it feel more like home. They created a Thanksgiving craft that they posted in his room and offered his family a special holiday meal.

As Daniel grew up, his nurses brought the same joy to every day. “Daniel likes to chat, so he would ask them a lot of questions,” Karen says. “They always answered his questions with kindness, laughed with him and provided plenty of toys to distract him from procedures.”

Daniel hopes to keep growing stronger, including through his physical therapy sessions. His family believes he will, with the support of his exceptional medical team. “It is such a gift that we found this amazing hospital for our sweet boy,” Karen says.