Natalie Dances Her Way to the Irish Dance World Championships

Even before she arrived in the United States, Natalie’s parents knew that they were adopting a baby girl with some type of hand/arm difference. They thought there was no treatment for her condition and regardless, they would love her just the way she was.

Through message boards on adoptive family-networking sites, Natalie’s mom, Jennifer, learned that Scott Kozin M.D. was considered "the guy” for hand surgery for children with conditions similar to Natalie's. And best of all, he was the chief of staff at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, which was not far from where they lived. Jennifer quickly decided to seek his recommendation for care. 

When Dr. Kozin examined Natalie, he stated she was a candidate for thumb politicization (a hand surgery technique in which a thumb is created from an existing finger), but lengthening the arm would not be recommended due to her already fused elbow.

Since becoming a patient, Natalie has had two hand surgeries, the first in 2010 and second in 2016. She continues to be followed for annual appointments.

Natalie’s limb difference has not limited her activities. She has accomplished so much, especially as a competitive Irish dancer. She competes in a custom-made dress with a specially made left sleeve for her shorter arm. Irish dance is a sport that typically requires arms to be held straight at one’s side, which Natalie is physically unable to do.

Now, at the age of 13, Natalie is well-known by the judges and continues to make her mark competing with no accommodations. She has achieved great success both nationally and internationally. In July of 2021, she won the U.S. Irish Dance National Championship in her age group. She will be competing this spring at her first World Championship in Northern Ireland.

Jennifer, is very grateful for all the care her daughter has received over the years at Shriners Children's Philadelphia. She is most impressed with how the staff cares for the patients and their families.

Natalie is also appreciative of Dr. Kozin’s attentiveness and caring nature. “Every time I come to the hospital, he always remembers me and asks about my dancing,” said Natalie.

Because of the care she received, Natalie can ride a bike, swim and pick up small objects. She even likes to help her mother make dinner by chopping vegetables. She enjoys reading Harry Potter and Percy Jackson books and studying Greek mythology. She is also a proud Shriners Children's Philadelphia patient ambassador and has appeared in several marketing campaigns and videos like the one below.