When Dan Caro was 2 years old he was playing near a water heater when a gas can fell over and ignited a 2500 degree fireball that engulfed him. He suffered third and fourth degree burns to 80% of his body, extensive skin loss, and he lost his fingers and most of his hands causing Dan to spend more than 4 years in hospital undergoing 80 graft and reconstructive surgeries.

For the next 7 years Dan struggled to do what other kids took for granted, something as simple as tying a pair of shoelaces was a monumental undertaking. "Though I lacked the dexterity to grip the shoelaces, I tried every day until I finally tied them," he says.

"I believed so strongly that I could tie my shoes that my intentions led to the manifestation of the goal."

With belief on his side Dan set out to conquer his next goal, playing the drums. Having only a functional thumb on his left hand this wasn't going to be easy, but with the use of wrist bands and rubber elastics he was able to create fully functioning hands and went on to not only learn how to play the drums, but to play them well enough that he made a living from it. 

There is no doubt Dan's message is inspirational and speaks to what's possible when we are willing to believe. 

Dan changed the way he looked at his world and how he looked at himself. He saw someone who could achieve what he set his mind to if he applied himself and didn't give up.

Dan has since stopped playing the drums professionally and has now gone on to inspire others through speaking and writing and has authored the book "The Gift of Fire."

Even the name of his book speaks to his mental attitude and how he sees the world, "The Gift of Fire." It was the fire that caused the debilitation and hardship but it was the fire that made Dan Caro who he is, and today he speaks to people sharing his message of determination.

"I have come to realize that people looked at me differently throughout different periods of my life because of how I looked at myself. I don't get many weird looks anymore, and I think it's because when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. When you live with no judgements or terms or conditions, things manifest the way you want them to - with no negatives."

How do you see yourself? You have a choice.

When you change the way you look at things.......... The things you look at change.

With gratitude,

Coach Mark