What does it take to turn a challenge into a triumph? At Shriners Children’s, we see the answer in our patients every day. It takes courage. It takes persistence. And it takes the kind of care that empowers children not only to heal, but to believe in themselves.
For Zhenghong, Martín, Winter and Dani, those ingredients sparked remarkable journeys — nurtured by care teams who offer not only medical expertise, but also encouragement, adaptive strategies and unwavering belief in what is possible. From the ski slopes to the art studio, from the music stage to the family kitchen, their successes reflect a powerful partnership between determination and support. Together, they show that dreams don’t just survive setbacks. With the right care, they grow stronger because of them.
Rising up by sliding down
When Zhenghong lined up at the start of his first World Cup race in Val di Fiemme, Italy, early this year, he was already redefining what was possible. An avid Nordic skier, Zhenghong is chasing his dream: to compete at the Winter Paralympics.
It’s a long way from where this young man’s journey began.
When Zhenghong first arrived at Shriners Children’s Twin Cities at age 6, he was a new adoptee adjusting to life in Minnesota. Because Zhenghong had been born with a limb difference, his mom, Sheila, thought a prosthetic would be essential to help him navigate daily life. The Shriners Children’s prosthetics team created a custom one, but they also shared something equally transformative: that whether he wore it or not, he could thrive exactly as he was.
Nordic skiing has become a passion for Zhenghong, who has been managing his limb difference with help from Shriners Children’s Twin Cities.
That message, combined with the encouragement of Shriners Children’s sports camps, lit the spark that would guide his future. At Winter Camp Achieve, Zhenghong first strapped on skis and discovered the freedom of movement, competition and community. “Meeting other athletes through Shriners Children’s made me set a higher bar for myself,” he recalls. “I wanted to see how far I could go.”
“Sheila told us from the start that her son was an athlete,” recalls physical therapist Becky, who worked closely with Zhenghong after an additional diagnosis of scoliosis. “Our role was to strengthen his body so he could do what he loved.” Zhenghong learned exercises to keep his residual limb strong, maintain balance and protect his back, especially when skiing. The sports medicine and rehabilitation team also guided him through safe training techniques, including how to adapt equipment in the weight room.
As a young teen, Zhenghong discovered Para Nordic skiing and attended a Shriners Children’s Nordic camp, while in high school. There he met a U.S. Paralympics development coach who saw his potential. That connection set him on the road to elite competition — including training in the underground ski tunnel of Oberhof, Germany, in 2024, and racing against the world’s best just months later.
“Nordic skiing is a lot of work,” Zhenghong admits. “It’s painful, but it’s also really fun and rewarding. Being around world-class athletes with the same disability as me is inspiring. It makes me want to push harder — maybe make the Paralympics someday.”
Now living in Montana to train full-time, Zhenghong is still fueled by the support that first took root at Shriners Children’s. Sheila reflects on his journey with gratitude: “We intentionally adopted a child with a limb difference, but Shriners Children’s opened more doors than I ever thought possible — medically, emotionally and athletically. They’ve been an amazing partner in helping him grow into who he is today.”
An artistic rebirth
Martín was just 16 when his life changed forever. While playing with a cousin, he accidentally touched high-voltage power lines. There was an explosion and Martín fell unconscious. Hearing the noise, his family rushed over and tried to resuscitate him while waiting for the ambulance.
Martín was rushed to a nearby hospital with extensive electrical burns and remained there for a month. Doctors informed the family of the severity of his injuries. First, they would need to amputate his right foot, then both arms and finally his other leg. The prognosis was grim. “Say goodbye to your son,” the doctors said. “He’s in very critical condition.” The news was devastating.
Through his painting, Martín has shown both resilience and talent.
Against all odds, Martín survived. He lost all his limbs, but never his will to live or his determination to move forward.
Months after the accident, Martín was referred to Shriners Children’s Mexico for rehabilitation, where he began a comprehensive recovery process. He was fitted with custom prostheses for all his limbs and supported by a team of specialists who guided him through his healing journey. Physical therapists helped him regain strength and mobility. Occupational therapists taught him to successfully use his prostheses in daily life. Psychologists gave him the emotional tools to accept his new reality and envision a future. Each session was a step forward, proving to Martín that nothing is impossible.
–Martín, SHRINERS CHILDREN’S MEXIC
During his recovery, Martín discovered a new way of seeing the world: painting. Through colors and shapes, he found a way to tell his story and express his emotions.
He refined his technique until art became his new life’s work. Soon after, he was able to hold his first public exhibition, titled Art Without Hands.
Now 19, Martín is determined to dedicate his life to art and proudly shares his message: “Don’t let the world try to stop us! Even if we’re missing an arm or a leg, we are still complete.” His story is a testament to how resilience, talent and inner strength can overcome even life’s toughest challenges.
Cooking up confidence
For Shriners Children’s Erie patient Winter, age 9, Christmas has always been about more than just the meal; it’s about being in the kitchen with her mom, preparing a feast for the whole family. She’s been her mother’s big helper with holiday cooking since she was around 5 years old.
Rolling out a pie crust is just one of the many cooking skills Winter can tackle now after relearning large- and small-motor functions.
Winter’s passion for these special moments became even more meaningful after she faced a serious health challenge. A blood infection progressed into a complex condition that substantially weakened her muscles and nerves and eventually required skin grafts. After Winter left the hospital where she was initially treated, her care team recommended occupational and physical therapy to help her regain her independence.
Occupational therapist Kristen Ciacchini, OTR/L, and physical therapist Rachel Mauro, DPT, worked with Winter to rebuild her strength, coordination and confidence. Therapy was challenging at first, but she steadily improved in self-care skills like dressing and grooming. Sessions focused on range of motion, arm and hand strength, and fine motor skills needed for tasks like managing buttons, zippers and shoelaces.
Therapy goals were tackled through games, crafts and activities, like cooking in the therapy kitchen, that made hard work fun. One task Winter struggled with was the sawing motion while using a knife. She discovered that using a larger knife and applying downward pressure, or using an adaptive rocker knife, helps her prepare food more easily and safely. With these adaptations, Winter has gained confidence in a hobby she loves, allowing her to participate more fully in the kitchen and enjoy the independence that comes with it.
Cooking has remained a big part of Winter’s therapy journey, and this year she’s especially excited to put her skills to use in helping prepare Christmas dinner. From chopping vegetables to stirring stuffing, she’ll be side-by-side with her mom, carrying on a tradition she’s loved for years.
He’s got the beat
When Dani was born, a medical error during delivery caused his right shoulder to be dislocated. From a young age, he underwent therapies that only worsened his condition, until it became clear that he had completely lost movement in his right arm.
Everything changed when it was suggested that Dani seek specialized care at Shriners Children’s Mexico. When he was 2, he finally received a clear diagnosis from his new medical team: the delivery had injured Dani’s brachial plexus, the network of nerves near the neck, where damage can result in weakness, loss of movement, or even paralysis in the shoulder, arm, hand and fingers.
With help from his therapy team, Dani has embraced many new activities. His current enthusiasm for bass guitar and drums grew from the tenacity he showed for judo when he was younger.
Dani worked with occupational therapists and underwent several surgeries, which gradually restored mobility and function in his right arm. At the same time, Dani discovered a powerful ally in sports. He first tried judo and later swimming, activities that built his strength, coordination and confidence.
“Thanks to the surgeries I’ve received at Shriners Children’s Mexico and the work of my occupational therapists, I’ve been able to practice sports like judo and swimming and even play more than one musical instrument,” Dani shares.
As he gained more mobility in his arm, Dani found a creative outlet in music. When he turned 15, his grandfather gave him his first drum set. He was thrilled at the prospect of playing, but coordinating both arms was a big challenge. Through constant practice, Dani overcame the difficulties, and his perseverance paid off.
Now 18, Dani has not only regained mobility and confidence, but he has also achieved his musical dream. He is part of his own rock band, playing bass and drums, proving that with effort and passion, no obstacle is impossible to overcome.
“I am very grateful to the hospital for all the care they’ve given me and my family, allowing me today to dedicate myself to what I love most — music,” said Dani
