Dan Gropper is 57 years old and lives in Rockville Centre, New York. He was injured in an apartment fire on December 10, 1989. Dan spent a year and a half at Nassau County Medical Center, including six months in the burn unit and one year in rehabilitation. Due to infections, he lost both hands and both legs above the knee.

Today, Dan volunteers as a Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter, encouraging other burn survivors by showing that life is not only worth living, but can be truly amazing. He also speaks with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medical students about his accident and demonstrates prosthetic use to support their learning. In addition, Dan volunteers with the Nassau County Disabilities Council, working alongside the County Executive to help improve the lives of people with disabilities.

Dan has a wide range of interests and hobbies, including traveling, attending sporting events and concerts, fantasy sports, gambling, eating good food, and staying active through exercise.