Daniel Priddy

I’m Daniel. I’m 20 years old and I was born with Tibia Aplasia Ectrodactyly Syndrome, a rare condition that caused the tibias in both legs not to form during development. It also caused my hands to develop incorrectly. However, I have never let anything about my condition stop me or slow me down. I attended public school without assistance graduating with honors from Poca High in 2022. I wrestled for Poca all through school. I work at the YMCA in Scott Depot. I am a very independent person.

Like most young adults, I have had the desire to drive for a while. I think that being able to drive myself will give me the independence I need to pursue the goals I have for my future. In January, I was able to obtain my driver’s license. To be able to drive though, I will need a modified van, fitted and customized for my specific needs. The cost of this can be upwards of $50K.

I am working with HelpHopeLive, a nonprofit national organization dedicated to raising money for medical bills and expenses through crowdfunding to help pay for this van. The State Rehabilitation Center has agreed to pay for the modifications, which are around $40,000 but they also require a certain year, type and model van to start with, which I have to have beforehand.

My first goal, once I am able to obtain the equipment I need, is to go to college. I plan to further my education by attending BridgeValley for a 2-year degree in computer science and possibly expanding on that degree.