Little Daniel was welcomed into his adoptive family when he was just three years old through the foster care system. He had been extremely neglected prior to foster care and was in need of a forever family. Christine and Jeff welcomed Daniel into their family with open arms and immediately began taking him to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for the continued care he needed.

Daniel was born with Pierre Robin sequence, a set of abnormalities in which the infant has a smaller lower jaw (micrognathia), a tongue placed further back than normal (glossoptosis) and an opening in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate). He was also born with congenital limb abnormalities. Since coming to Nationwide Children’s, Daniel received another diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“Nationwide Children’s is an amazing hospital that helps provide for Daniel’s medical needs and any other need we have as a family. Daniel also has a brother whose life has been saved countless times by the doctors at Nationwide Children’s. Our family cannot survive without them. Ohio is so fortunate to have such a facility as this – they are the best in the country,” says Christine.

Daniel has been seen in Behavioral Health, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy and is currently followed by the Craniofacial, Orthopedics, Genetics, Physical Medicine and Ear, Nose and Throat teams.

Patients with complex problems need services that are holistic, coordinated, continuous and family-centered. The Complex Health Care Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital helps patients achieve the best possible state of health and quality of life.

“Daniel has a lot of physical limitations, but no matter what he never gives up. He learns ways to use his body despite not having an arm on the right side and a stump on the left. He is a champ,” says Christina.

One of the ways he has learned to use his body is to greet people with one of his feet. Instead of a handshake, Daniel has his own special way of saying hello. He will extend his foot for you to grab as a gesture of greetings and friendship.

Although nonverbal, Daniel is a social, energetic, intelligent little boy who is very observant and interested in the world around him. He loves books, his iPad, Mickey Mouse and most of all – jumping. Since Daniel has no arms, it can be a bit scary for his family sometimes to watch him jump so excitedly, “but the joy on his face and the laughter in the air fills our hearts,” says Christine.

https://flutter.nationwidechildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Daniel-.jpg

• Name: Daniel .Daniel
• Condition(s): Congenital Limb Abnormalities, Pierre Robin Syndrome
• Age at Treatment: 3

Little Daniel was welcomed into his adoptive family when he was just three years old through the foster care system. He had been extremely neglected prior to foster care and was in need of a forever family. Christine and Jeff welcomed Daniel into their family with open arms and immediately began taking him to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for the continued care he needed.

Daniel was born with Pierre Robin sequence, a set of abnormalities in which the infant has a smaller lower jaw (micrognathia), a tongue placed further back than normal (glossoptosis) and an opening in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate). He was also born with congenital limb abnormalities. Since coming to Nationwide Children’s, Daniel received another diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“Nationwide Children’s is an amazing hospital that helps provide for Daniel’s medical needs and any other need we have as a family. Daniel also has a brother whose life has been saved countless times by the doctors at Nationwide Children’s. Our family cannot survive without them. Ohio is so fortunate to have such a facility as this – they are the best in the country,” says Christine.

Daniel has been seen in Behavioral Health, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy and is currently followed by the Craniofacial, Orthopedics, Genetics, Physical Medicine and Ear, Nose and Throat teams.

Patients with complex problems need services that are holistic, coordinated, continuous and family-centered. The Complex Health Care Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital helps patients achieve the best possible state of health and quality of life.

“Daniel has a lot of physical limitations, but no matter what he never gives up. He learns ways to use his body despite not having an arm on the right side and a stump on the left. He is a champ,” says Christina.

One of the ways he has learned to use his body is to greet people with one of his feet. Instead of a handshake, Daniel has his own special way of saying hello. He will extend his foot for you to grab as a gesture of greetings and friendship.

Although nonverbal, Daniel is a social, energetic, intelligent little boy who is very observant and interested in the world around him. He loves books, his iPad, Mickey Mouse and most of all – jumping. Since Daniel has no arms, it can be a bit scary for his family sometimes to watch him jump so excitedly, “but the joy on his face and the laughter in the air fills our hearts,” says Christine.