Whiz Kid: Daniel Maher, Hospital Volunteer

Whiz Kid: Daniel Maher

School/Grade: Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Senior

Whiz Kid Achievement: Daniel was recently named one of two SMCHS Volunteers of the Year in the 2012 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program for his volunteer work at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Children's Hospital of Orange County.

Key to Awesomeness: Four years ago, Daniel Maher’s life was changed forever when his good friend and fellow Little League teammate passed away of a rare form of cancer. Daniel visited his friend often during his stay at CHOC, and the experience left a lasting impression. When his friend passed away, he decided to turn his grief into good by volunteering at the hospital. CHOC did not allow volunteers under the age of 16, so he began volunteering at St. Joseph’s Hospital and then moved on to CHOC when a position opened up.

Daniel started as a messenger who ran blood, medication, specimens and medical equipment throughout the hospital. During that time he also visited with patients and supported staff doing whatever he could to make their days better. After a year his duties expanded to include training, supervising a shift of messengers and working in the admitting department.

“I encounter a new experience or person every day,” Daniel says. He now has plenty of time to interact with the young patients at CHOC, who range in age from a few months to 17 years old. He currently works in the neurological unit with patients suffering various neurological disorders. Whether just sitting with a child to cheer them up or playing video games with the older children, Daniel enjoys all his interactions and has made several close connections with the patients.

Daniel was recently named one of two SMCHS Volunteers of the Year in the 2012 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. He is now eligible for the California youth volunteer of the year award. Two state honorees will be named in February; honorees receive a $1,000 award and an invitation to attend ceremonies in Washington D.C. next May. There, honorees have the opportunity to receive more monetary awards and national recognition.

A high school senior, Daniel has submitted applications to several colleges and is currently weighing his options. He would like to continue volunteering in the medical field no matter where he goes and perhaps even pursue a career in medicine.

In addition to volunteering at the hospital, Daniel has played baseball for SMCHS and enjoys snowboarding in his spare time. He also returns to Coppercreek Camp in Northern California each summer; he spent his summers there as a boy and the experience helped shape him as he got older. Daniel now acts as a counselor and a role model to younger campers and enjoys a variety of over 50 recreational activities the camp has to offer.

For his heartfelt dedication to volunteering in the medical field, Daniel Maher is this week's excellent Whiz Kid.