Photo Essay: The Psalm of Daniel

Daniel Garcia's story started from one assignment with my old newspaper and turn into a one and half year project. This is probably the first really photo story I have ever completed. I don't want to talk to much about the images. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

Background:

Daniel Garcia was born with cerebro-costo-mandibular syndrome, a disease so rare that he is one of only 70 known cases in the world. The condition left him with no jaw, a malformed tongue and palate and only two normal ribs, the rest floating, unattached to his backbone. For Daniel, this has meant not being able to eat or talk normally as well as being partially deaf his entire life. His breathing is supported by a trach tube place in his throat. It allows air to flow to his lungs and sound to echo out of his voice box. Due to these serious effects of his disease, doctors said Daniel would not live to see age three. Today, after a number of surgeries to shape his jaw and aide his breathing, Daniel looks to the futire and the next steps in beginning a normal life.