When Daniel was just four days old, doctors discovered that he was born with a single ventricle, a congenital heart defect that occurs when one of the two ventricles in a child’s heart is too small and is unable to pump blood effectively.  As a result of the single ventricle, Daniel was also diagnosed with hydrocephalus, pulmonary hypertension, and chronic lung disease.

“After Daniel was born, we learned that he was going to need a series of heart surgeries in order to survive,” shared Evelyn, Daniel’s mom. To treat the single ventricle, three surgeries are required. The goal of these operations is to enable the single, operating ventricle to do the job of two ventricles.

As a result of these surgeries, Daniel required a variety of therapies to help him grow stronger and reach certain developmental milestones. Daniel’s team of doctors at a partner hospital work on the technical aspects of his condition, including surgery, while La Rabida takes the lead in his rehabilitative and developmental therapy.

“He's learning how to do so much through therapy. He’s learning how to use his hands, how to bring them to his face, how to sit up. He has become so strong with his legs. La Rabida is actually making him stronger,” explained Evelyn.

Daniel has been through a lot in his two years of life. “He has been holding on quite a few times by his fingernails, but he has overcome so many obstacles,” said Evelyn. “At first, I was the parent that was so scared to hold him or touch him, thinking I'm going to break him. Even though he has a heart condition, we are still able to push him. He has an internal disability, but he can learn how to use his arms, legs, and body.”

With the help of his team of therapists, Daniel has already accomplished the impossible.

“When he was born, we were told he’s not going to stand, he’s not going to sit up, and he’s not going to be able to do a lot. Every achievement is a big excitement because what some said he could not do, he's actually doing. All of those things are very exciting to me and I am so proud.”

“At first I was in a rush for him to do stuff, but you cannot rush greatness and you cannot rush progress either. It takes time. I learned that if time is what he needs, then I have all the time in the world. I can only be as strong as he’s been,” shared Evelyn. “He’s surpassed the impossible already and I am going to be there fighting for him. He has become so strong and his family here at La Rabida has been so incredible.”

This story was featured in the March 2021 issue of eCurrents. Read the full issue here.