Faith, Family, and Football: Daniel’s Story

There are many things in life that drive people to get “lost” in Alabama sports, especially football. However, facing death may be the ultimate reason. Daniel suffers from neurofibromatosis, also known as the “Elephant Man” disease, a condition that causes uncontrollable bone and tissue growth. Despite this life-altering condition, Daniel is an avid fan of the University of Alabama. While talking to him on the phone about Alabama football, Daniel ventured off this topic to discuss softball and Danae Hays – one of his favorite players – as well as to compliment the gymnastics team on their recent SEC Championship victory. Daniel is truly a fan of all things Crimson Tide.

At the age of 32 in 2007, Daniel would be hit with tragedy once again. He developed a tumor in his right leg which required surgery, but soon after developed a serious staph infection which resulted in the loss of that leg. Daniel’s left leg developed similar problems, so he made the difficult choice of amputating that leg as well. Within hours of this last surgery, a flesh eating bacteria, known as Necrotizing fasciitis, would enter Daniel’s body. He was immediately placed into a medically-induced coma. While in this coma, the doctors often left Daniel’s body open to allow his blood supply to continually cycle through his system in hopes to remove the bacteria. At one point the hospital ran out of fresh supplies of blood, forcing ICU doctors to broadcast over the intercom for emergency blood donors to help save Daniel’s life.

What scares Daniel the most is that this can happen to him, or anyone at any point, again. So Daniel is starting a local foundation in North Alabama called United Global Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation. I asked Daniel what inspires him and drives him to continue through each day. He listed three things: his beautiful girlfriend, his strong faith in God, and his love of Alabama football. In fact, Daniel has tickets to every home football game and has for several years. The only way that Daniel won’t make it to a game is if he doesn’t have a ride to Tuscaloosa or is hurting so much that medicine cannot ease the pain. This man is a portrait of a true Alabama fan – someone to which we can all aspire to be.

Sadly, Daniel’s road to recovery is not yet complete. Doctors have recently discovered two new tumors on his back that must be removed in the near future. I asked Daniel how this diagnosis made him feel, and he admitted that on several occasions he had considered taking his life. I asked him what kept him going, and he repeated the same three things: his relationship, his God, and his football team.

Daniel’s heart stopped five times while the doctors tried to fight the flesh-eating bacteria ravaging his body. The final time, it stopped for a full seven minutes – twice the length of time that most doctors would give before pronouncing someone dead.  As you’ve read this story about Daniel’s struggle, I hope that you realize there are more important things in life than worrying about the small things. Frustrations are something that we can always overcome. Daniel’s ability to wake up every day with a smile on his face, a positive attitude, and love in his heart is truly an inspiration. Remember, there are always three things to that can drive us: faith, family, and football.

Follow Daniel and his story on Twitter with me: https://twitter.com/bamanc15daniel

You can also connect with Daniel on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bringthepain75?fref=ts