When Daniel Christiana’s life changed at age 17, he worked hard to not only survive, but to later thrive.

On the front page of the Wednesday, May 28, edition of the Butler Eagle, we told the story of Slippery Rock Township’s Christiana. Following a spinal chord injury, he underwent more than 18 hours of reconstructive surgery, was resuscitated 17 times and was put on a ventilator.

He fought to survive.

And when he did, he wasn’t able to pursue his dreams related to motocross.

It didn’t, however, keep him from pursuing his passion.

“My journey hasn’t been easy, but I’m still dreaming of fully regaining the use of my hands one day,” Christiana said in an interview.

The 34-year-old man pursues his dreams vigorously, not letting his injuries keep him from conquering challenge after challenge.

For him, the road to recovery is about getting “off road.”

Earlier this year, he started a business called Side by Side Innovations, setting a goal to design adaptive vehicles that make off-roading possible for people with disabilities.

His mission, it’s greater than him. He’s now off-road again, blazing his own trail through the mud, up steep hills and rocky paths, and what’s worth noting is that he is determined to make this possible for others, too.

Christiana’s story is important because we can all learn from him. He didn’t give up. Faced with obstacles, he saw the road blocks, but didn’t shy away. In his case, he took his path off-road.

— TL