More Than Medicine: How Shriners Children's Helped David Find Confidence and Community

For as long as he can remember, David has never let his hand difference hold him back.

Born with webbing between his fingers due to amniotic band syndrome, David grew up adapting to the world in his own way – tying his shoes, gripping a water bottle or mastering video game controllers. It was at Shriners Children's Northern California where he found not just specialized care for his condition, but a life-changing community that helped him embrace his uniqueness with confidence.

A Partnership in Care

David's journey with Shriners Children's began when he was just 1 year old. Michelle James, M.D., emeritus chief of orthopedics, turned out to be the compassionate pediatric hand surgeon who would guide him all the way through adolescence. Their bond grew stronger over the years, especially when David discovered their shared love of running.

“In high school, I did cross-country, and Dr. James was a runner too,” David said. “We'd talk about trails, and she even encouraged me when I tackled a mountain run at camp.”

When he was 13, David opted for a life-changing surgery to release the webbing between his thumb and finger, improving his grip. Though the procedure was minor – involving only skin, not bone – the recovery required patience.

“I had to rebuild muscle in my wrist after wearing a cast,” he said. “But the difference was worth it. Little things, like grabbing a water bottle, became easier.”

Finding His Tribe at Camp Winning Hands

The summer after his surgery, David experienced something equally transformative when he attended Camp Winning Hands for the first time. Nestled in the rolling hills of Livermore, California, this unique camp – a partnership between Shriners Children's Northern California and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital – brings together kids with hand and upper limb differences for a week of zip-lining, rock climbing, archery and – most importantly – finding community.

“Before camp, I knew other people had hand differences, but I still felt alone,” David said. “Then I got to Camp Winning Hands, and suddenly I was surrounded by kids who just understood. We didn't have to explain ourselves – we could focus on having fun and challenging ourselves.”

The camp's “teen talk” sessions became particularly meaningful for David. “That's where we could ask uncomfortable questions and share experiences,” he said. “For the first time, I felt completely understood.”

Giving Back to His Community

Now 24, David has come full circle – returning to Camp Winning Hands as a counselor.

“This year's camp was extra special,” he said. “Seeing these kids realize they're not alone, watching them cheer each other on during the climbing wall, or dance without hesitation at the final party, that's why this place matters.”

Yuen Leung, Camp Winning Hands assistant director and Shriners Children's pediatric RN, sees the impact firsthand.

“When campers plan their summers around this week and celebrate birthdays here, you know we're doing something right,” Leung said. “The confidence they gain lasts long after camp ends.”

Thriving Beyond Shriners Children's

Today, David works in the federal government, where accommodations for his hand have never been an issue.

“If there's a challenge, my team finds a way to make it work,” he said.

His adaptability shines in his hobbies, too – particularly gaming. After years of tweaking the way he grips the controllers, he's reached elite rankings.

“It's one of the things I'm most proud of,” David said. “I taught myself how to compete at the highest level.”

Reflecting on his journey, David credits Shriners Children's and Camp Winning Hands for giving him much more than medical care.

“They gave me my confidence, my community, and now the chance to pay that forward,” he said. “Every kid deserves to feel that kind of belonging.”