Sometimes life has a way of bringing you "storms"! How you handle these "storms" can be a real challenge. This particular young man has faced many of these challenges throughout his life. Somehow, his will to overcome each and every challenge is a quality in his life that allows him to struggle and fight to keep going.

He was born in Arizona to a single mother. When he was only a year and a half, he along with his younger brother and two older sisters, were abandoned in a hotel room in Maricopa County, Arizona. Unsure of his future, this young man grew up living in foster home after foster home.

In 1972 his days of living in foster homes came to an end. A young couple, David & Doreen Whitney, reached out to this six year old boy with love, seeking to bring healing to his past life, and provide him with hope and a future. His new adoptive family gave the young boy permission to choose his new legal name . . . he chose Danny Lee Whitney.

Danny's new life was to be encircled by adoptive parents who would love, encourage and support him. Growing up a Whitney would be a new life foundation that would provide him positive self esteem and build lasting family ties which he continues to carry through his life.

Graduating from high school, Dan's confidence gave him the opportunity to attend a small college in San Diego. With very little financial assistance, Dan's self esteem and love for life began to open doors for serving others. While at Point Loma University, Dan's gifts were being developed as he attended classes & served on various student organizations.

In his sophomore year at Point Loma, Dan had high hopes of becoming a major league baseball player when another disappointment "stormed" him. While on the mound during a championship game, Dan's arm snapped. The fans and players stood silent. Suddenly panic filled the air. All of the accolades and promises came to a halt. Dan's arm was broken, but his spirit of hope came alive. He would overcome this! After long months of therapy, Dan would throw again . . . but only to friends and not in competition. Life does go on!

Dan was chosen Associated Student Body President in his senior year. He became a very capable leader and visionary for the school. Dan, a business major, was being courted by a number of large corporations. After graduation he married his college sweetheart, Candi.

There have been other "storms" in Dan's life! The very serious and deadly Lymes Disease came upon Dan as he was progressing up the corporate ladder in 1997. This disease caused numerous physical and psychology problems in Danšs life until the cure was given.

With his lovely wife Candi fighting through her own battle and numerous surgeries with rheumatoid arthritis, the question that people always ask Dan & Candi is . . . "How do you handle all these physical set backs and disappointments?". Their answer was easily explained . . . "We believe we have gone through these serious experiences for the purpose of helping others."

On December 16, 2000, Dan faced the most difficult challenge of his life. He loved being with friends and this particular day, Dan and his friends went biking on the side of a mountain in Santa Cruz, California. Always confronting challenges, Dan said to his two mountain bike friends, "C'mon, let's go over this jump." His two friends thought the idea was totally crazy . . . yet, Dan was convinced it could be done. Without hesitation Dan peddled to the jump . . . flipping the bike and landing facedown. Life as he knew it suddenly came to a screeching halt. Dan knew immediately that something was wrong. He couldnšt move . . . breathing was difficult, arms & legs not moving, his whole body was unresponsive. Dan gasped air just to whisper to his friends . . . call 911.

Dan was airlifted to a Santa Clara Medical Center where surgery was performed immediately. The doctors grafted in bone, put some plates in his neck and fused it (the C-4 vertebrae) together. Following the surgery, the medical team spoke to Dan and Candi, informing them that Dan was a quadriplegic. They were told that he had little chance of ever feeling below his neck, with a one in a million chance of ever walking again. In essence, they were telling Dan that he would never walk. They needed to begin making plans for Dan to be in this state for the rest of his life. Candi immediately spoke up and said, "Well Doctor, we will be the 1 that will overcome this!"

To tell the Whitney's story of what life has taught them through those uncertain "storms" in their lives would only take away from Dan and Candi's commitment to share personally with you. Their story is a one of kind . . . and they are committed to reaching out to all people . . . to bring a message that will motivate and encourage others to face the "battles of life" . . . knowing that all circumstances eventually work out for the best!

For more information call Mark Zier at 805.701.7886 or e-mail him at mzier@whitneyhope.com and he will be able to set up a speaking opportunity for your corporation, organization or school assembly. Do not miss an opportunity to hear Dan Whitney speak.