Born Without Functioning Fingers on Her Right Hand, Danna Underwent Toe-to-Hand Surgery — Then Learned to Play the Violin

When Danna was born, her parents discovered that her right hand had developed differently.

She had a congenital condition known as Poland syndrome. Her right arm was shorter than her left, and she did not have functioning fingers on the affected hand.

For her family, the challenge was not simply how her hand looked. They wanted their little girl to have more opportunities to hold objects, dress herself and take part in everyday childhood activities.

A Congenital Difference Affecting Her Right Hand

Danna began receiving specialized treatment at Shriners Children’s when she was still a toddler.

She attended her first appointment in 2008, at just 18 months old.

Her medical team assessed her congenital hand difference and developed a treatment plan intended to improve her hand function as she grew.

Surgeons Transferred a Toe to Her Hand

At age three, Danna underwent her first toe-to-hand transfer operation.

This complex reconstructive procedure involves transferring a toe to the hand to provide a new functional digit.

A year later, she underwent a second transfer.

With two toes transferred to her right hand, Danna began developing skills that had previously been difficult because of her congenital difference.

Learning to Do Everyday Things Independently

As Danna grew, she learned to comb her hair and dress herself.

These everyday achievements represented important steps toward independence.

Her treatment had not erased the fact that her hand was different, but it had provided additional function that she could use in daily life.

At Nine, She Started Playing the Violin

One of the most remarkable milestones came when Danna was nine years old.

She learned to read music and play the violin.

She later became part of a symphony orchestra, developing a passion for music that extended beyond playing an instrument. She also enjoyed singing.

For a girl born without functioning fingers on her right hand, learning to play the violin was a meaningful achievement made possible through reconstructive care, practice and determination.

Sharing Her Story With the World

Shriners Children’s selected Danna to participate in its 2024 Rose Parade float, which celebrated the achievements of young patients.

At the time, she was 17 and interested in studying international relations.

Her story demonstrated how reconstructive surgery can support a child’s ability to pursue interests that might initially seem difficult because of a congenital limb difference.

The baby born with a significantly different right hand had grown into a young musician who could play the instrument she loved.

Source: Shriners Children’s — 2024 Rose Parade Float Riders and About Our Float, Danna’s Patient Profile.