Danaya B.

Danaya is a talented makeup artist and dance coach who lives in San Antonio, TX. She was diagnosed with XLH at two years old through bloodwork, but she has never let XLH stop her from accomplishing her dreams! She started having corrective surgeries when she was 8 years old, and by age 10, she had her black belt in karate! After her last surgery in 2011, her mobility was hindered and she has been using her wheelchair and scooter to help her get around. Danaya traveled to San Francisco last year to sit on an XLH panel, and considers this her favorite travel experience because she met what she calls her “forever ladies” (#waddletribe). Danaya does a lot of stretching and simple exercises to help alleviate pain. She also rotates ice and heat and says this is a must!

Danaya discovered the XLH Network after her fourth surgery. When asked what the Network means to Danaya and her family, she says, “It has meant so much to me to know there are others out there and I’m not alone. I now know a whole network of people who understand what I’m going through. This has truly boosted my self-esteem and confidence.”