Former Shriners Children’s Patient Eyes 2028 LA Paralympics

Former Shriners Children's Florida and Philadelphia patient Danielle Kanas has dealt with setbacks throughout her life that will only make her stronger on her journey to her goal of the Paralympic Games in 2028.

Kanas was found at a train station in China when she was just a baby, and had a life-threatening hand infection that led to the amputation of her arm when she was 3 weeks old. She was then adopted and brought to the United States where she found her passion for throwing javelin, now aiming to make the Paralympic team in Los Angeles.

When Kanas came to the U.S., her care with Shriners Children’s started in Philadelphia. She received her first prosthetic there, which would be the first of many throughout her life. She moved to Florida when she was 8 and continued her care in The Sunshine State. Kanas said Shriners Children’s helped build her confidence and her acceptance in her limb difference, and she was able to meet other children that looked like her. The nonprofit healthcare system stayed in Kanas’ life after she graduated from care, cheering her on and supporting her through her next stage in life. The javelin-throwing athlete now attends the University of Alabama, competing on the Crimson Tide para track and field team.

“The prosthetics Shriners Children’s built also helped me with my athletic career,” Kanas said. “When I started throwing javelin and shot, there were issues with my balance. Shriners Children’s created a nice, lightweight design for my prosthetic that helped me balance while throwing. They also designed prosthetics that made it easier for me to lift weights, like doing bench press, using a clamp on the end of the prosthetic that made it easier for me to lift.”

Kanas competed in the 2024 Paralympic Trials in Miramar, Florida, but missed out on making the team with a mark of 30.37 meters in the javelin. However, the 19-year-old still has a long athletic career ahead of her, and will be a prime candidate to make the 2028 Paralympic team. Since becoming a collegiate athlete at Alabama, Kanas’ training schedule, time in the gym, strength, conditioning and discipline have all improved as she takes the next step as an athlete. Kanas is one of many Shriners Children’s patients who continue to make leaps in the athletic world. Fellow Shriners Children’s Florida patient Momo is also aiming for the 2028 Paralympics in swimming.

“Throughout the years it’s been so fun to see other patients and see how they’re doing in track and field, and other sports, too,” Kanas said. “I’ve kept up with Momo and I’ve seen how she’s doing. It’s so fun staying in touch with them. I’m hoping as my training progresses I’m able to show more Shriners Children’s patients about the possibilities they can achieve.”

Kanas said she is grateful the Shriners fraternity supports her in Alabama by helping her with transportation and supporting her in her athletic career.