When Danny Griner was asked to share some memorable moments from his time working at Shriners Children’s Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) department, the prosthetist is immediately flooded with more memories than he can recall.
After 38 years of service, that is no surprise. It’s estimated that during his employment, Danny helped provide more than 10,000 prosthetics to children throughout the Shriners Children’s healthcare system.
“I’ve helped make devices for patients who were amazing athletes and went on to compete in the X Games,” Danny said while talking about Justin, an adaptive skateboarding triple amputee he cared for. “Another patient was a competitive surfer who I traveled to Orlando to watch compete in the X Games. Both young men were very dedicated to their sport, and so inspiring to watch.”
However, Danny did admit that some of the most meaningful appointments to him took place behind the closed doors of our POPS facility. He talked about how rewarding it is to help give children the gift of mobility, and how those “feel good” moments brought their fair share of happy tears throughout the years.
Danny’s interest in prosthetics began after his brother-in-law got in a motorcycle accident, lost a limb and then became a prosthetist himself. This inspired Danny to follow the same career path, and once he started working in POPS, he never looked back. “This was my dream job right out of college, and honestly still is,” Danny said. “If I could work forever, it would be here.”
His passion for prosthetics is clear and has remained consistent over time. What has changed – for the better – is the delivery of that care. From the early days of metal and leather prosthetics to the current-day utilization of computer-aided design and manufacturing technologies – Danny has seen it all.
“Throughout the years it’s been great to be a part of so much innovation at Shriners Children’s with our amazing team of prosthetists and orthotists. With our mission, I didn’t have to stick to certain rules and could design the ideal prosthetics without worrying about how much it would be to build them,” he said. “I was able to go in creative directions, and that really benefitted patients.”
As the news of his retirement spread, many of those patient families jumped at the opportunity to say thanks and send hand-crafted cards for him. Whether it was a new family who had only met Danny a few times, or long-time patients who had grown up under his care, the compliments began pouring in.
When 3-year-old Delilah was in need of braces to help keep her from toe-walking, Danny was there. “She was very nervous during her first appointment, and he did everything to make Delilah smile and feel comfortable,” said Alexis, Delilah's mother. “Thank you, Danny, for always going above and beyond.”
“Shriners has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but it was always the people at Shriners that made it like home. So, no matter where you go, you are always part of my family,” said Momo. She was born with a congenital arm amputation and is now an aspiring Paralympian, thriving in her element as a competitive swimmer. As Momo’s hobbies and interests evolved over the years, Danny helped fabricate numerous items for her to help remain active.
“Thank you for everything and for always helping me,” said Zavi, 15, who was born with fibular hemimelia, a rare condition in which part or all of a leg’s fibular bone is missing. He received his first prosthetic when he was just 12 months old, and has grown up wearing prosthetics fabricated for him by Danny and the POPS team. “I truly don’t know what I’d do without you. Thank you so much, Danny!”
Zavi’s mother, Aleisha, added onto her son’s sentiments, reflecting on the longevity of care Danny has provided and what a difference he made in the lives of so many.
“All these years spent taking care of the kids, and now he can retire knowing he will be missed and is loved by so many families,” said Aleisha. “Good luck on your retirement, Danny. Here’s wishing you the best years yet!”
What’s next for Danny? He looks forward to spending more time with his high school sweetheart and wife of 36 years, Sharry, and making more music with his band. “We’ve got 32 gigs already booked for next year, and in between all of that, my wife and I will be traveling,” he said. “A little fishing, a little snow skiing and a little bit more time for all the little things.” However he spends his free time, one thing is for sure – Danny has definitely earned it.
