Danny came to Whisper as Daniel, a soft-spoken boy looking for a place to run and make friends.  I would say, he has accomplished both.  

A few days ago, I received word that Danny would be moving to Minnesota to be closer to family, and though it is better for him, it will be a painful loss to the Whisper family, and to me, personally.  Danny has softened my heart in a way that few runners can do.  He has taught me humility, drive, and furthered my nurturing spirit.  He has giving me life lessons that I cannot explain, only feel, and for that alone, I am forever in debt.  

When I think of Danny, three fond memories come to mind.  The first was at a track meet in Hillsboro at Liberty High School, when he was running the open 400m dash.  As he zipped around the first 100m, his teammates cheering him on and hollering his name, in Danny’s excitement, he emphatically raises his left arm into the air and pumps his fist.  You could see Danny’s excitement for the moment pouring out of him.  My second memory of Danny comes from the 2019 cross-county season, when cheering for him during the race, I said, “Great job, Danny!” and he actually replied with, “Thank you!”  Typically, runners are a bit more focused on the event at hand, but Danny remains rather even-keel, taking it all in.  But my favorite memory of Danny comes from his PE class at Laurin Middle School, where he was taking part in the Pacer Fitness Test with his peers.  As the assessment went on, Danny remained.  10 students turned into 5, then 3, then 2, then Daniel.  All the while, his peers cheering his name, “Daniel!  Daniel!  Daniel!”   

Danny has special needs, but he never actually needed anything.  Instead, it was the Godsend that I needed, to further soften my heart and remind me that running, a “no-cut sport,” truly is for everyone.

From the training days in Vancouver, to the competition days throughout the Pacific Northwest, Danny has brought us fond memories and life lessons for over 18 months.  People come and go out of our lives, but may we always remember the special ones who touch us in unspeakable ways.

Danny’s final Whisper practice will be Wednesday, August 5 from 8:50-10:20am. If you wish to bring a card or say goodbye, this will be the final opportunity to do so before he takes flight to Minnesota.