Dana was a very active ten-year-old when she contracted a rare autoimmune disease, called Transverse Myelitis which left her partially paraplegic. Her mother encouraged Dana to try adaptive sports and by age of thirteen Dana was actively involved in various adaptive sports including wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair rugby. Ultimately wheelchair tennis was the sport she fell in love with and has excelled in the sport through rigorous training and determination. Dana represented the USA in the Rio Paralympic Games and has competed on tour full time including the US Open and French Open tournaments and is currently the highest-ranked US female wheelchair tennis player.

How and when did you start trying adaptive sports? How did it shape your life?D: I started adaptive sports when I was around 11 or 12 years old. I had no interest in them initially, because I didn't think any sort of disabled sport would be comparable to what I'd known when I was able bodied. My mom, however, was insistent on me remaining active and social, and signed me up for numerous camps and teams. I'm so thankful she did, because that's how I ultimately discovered tennis!

What is your most memorable championship and why?D: I don't know if there is one tournament that is more memorable than another. I can say, that I have key memories from different tournaments. One key memory was winning my first match at the US Open on Arthur Ashe stadium. That stadium is the largest tennis stadium in the world, and I was the first American wheelchair tennis player to have a match there. Winning on a stage that large was amazing, and something I'll remember forever. Another memory I cherish is when I played my first Paralympic match at the Rio 2016 Paralymic Games. It was a doubles match versus Brazil, so we were placed on center court in front of a packed house. I've never played in such a loud stadium, full of noise and screams. It was a thrill, and an atmosphere that has not been matched since! Ultimately, all of my favorite tennis memories have to do with atmosphere, not necessarily the result. I feel lucky to be able to play tennis at beautiful venues across the world, and will always be thankful for those opportunities. Win or lose.

What challenges did you face during your school days? What or who motivated you to face those challenges?D: I faced many challenges - some were the typical ones that all teenagers face, and others were due to my newfound disability. I simply kept on going. I know that sounds like a boring answer, but it's the truth. Sort of like that quote Dory says in "Finding Nemo". She says "just keep swimming", and that's what I did. Life may not have been easy every day, but I persevered, and ultimately, I found my way.

What are your other hobbies?D: I honestly don't have much time for true hobbies, but I do love to bake and to cook, and I've picked up a newfound love for escape rooms!

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?D: I think the best thing parents can do is to find sports programs and enroll their children. Sports has the unique ability, especially in the disabled community, to teach children about independence, helps them to find community, and allows children to exercise and push the limits of their bodies. I also advise that parents treat their children the same way they'd treat any able bodied ones. My mom did that with me - I had chores just like I did before my injury, I had expectations in terms of school, socializing, etc. and there were no shortcuts just because I used a wheelchair. Many parents give children with disabilities a break because their life is a little harder than most. This is actually a hindrance, because then that child believes they need to be babied. The best thing my mom did for me was teach me to be strong and that I could do the same things as other kids, I just had to problem solve and find ways to do them differently.

Any special message for our community?D: I would just like to say thank you for featuring me, for one! And also for the kids and families reading to keep dreaming your dreams. If they do not inspire or scare you on some level, dream bigger. There is nothing in this world that you cannot do. You might end up taking a different route to get there, but nothing is impossible.