'She Is My Legs When I Can't Walk' : Palm Desert Star Athlete

PALM DESERT, CA — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from her mother, Michelle Wood, who nominated Daniela 9th grade of Palm Desert. Daniela and her cross country team recently won their CIF Championship.

Michelle Wood suffers from a progressive form of Multiple sclerosis, she said. Her daughter regularly goes the extra mile for the family. Much is put on her daughter's plate, but the recent CIF Cross Country win for her was something to celebrate.

"Above all (Daniela) is kind and loving and she is my legs when I can’t walk," her mother said. "I have a progressive form of MS and I cannot walk. Life is always difficult, sometimes even impossible but Daniela makes life brighter!"

Star student athlete’s name

Daniela 9th grade

Star student athlete’s home state

California

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Palm Desert

How do you know the star student athlete?

I’m her proud mom

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Dani is a cross country runner

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

Daniela is sunshine and smiles running on two incredibly fast legs.

You know when she has entered a room because she has an infectious laugh that makes everyone want to be in on the fun, her mother said.

She is a fantastic runner committed to her sport, her team and her family.

"We are her biggest fans at her races, because we finally have an opportunity to support her the way she supports us," her mother said.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

She approaches everything she does with grace and a smile

Keep up the great work, Daniela!

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