Superman's Doctor Becomes Personal Superman To College Student

Dr. Raymond Onders and Daniel Darkow/Photo credit: UHCMC

Dr. Raymond Onders of Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital and University Hospitals Case Medical Center discusses a procedure known as Diaphragm Pacing System.  It has been used on paralyzed patients with spinal injuries to help them breath without a ventilator. Superman actor Christopher Reeve benefited by DPS and now, so has Daniel Darkow.  The Wright State University student has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and has become the first SMA patient to be assisted by the procedure.

In this interview, Dr. Onders explains how Daniel wound up on a ventilator following a routine procedure, and details his journey from the hospital back to college.