The journey of Daniel J. Rios, fondly known as DJ, began with a joyous surprise for the Rios family. As Liz Rios was preparing to graduate with her Masters in Management in Virginia, she and her husband Hiram received the wonderful news that they were expecting another child. Their excitement grew as they anticipated welcoming a new baby to join their eldest son, Samuel. But life had its own plans, and the journey that lay ahead was one of unexpected challenges, profound love, and quiet strength.

Six months into her pregnancy, Liz was scheduled to lead a women’s retreat in New York City for The Center for Emerging Female Leadership, an organization she had founded. Her doctor was good with the plans but advised that this would be her last trip before the baby arrived. The retreat was a success, and Liz planned to stay in NYC to support her sister-in-love’s historic installation as the first female pastor at Primitive Christian Church. However, what she didn’t know was that her meticulous plans were about to be completely upended.

On a Sunday after the retreat, Liz spent a relaxing day walking through Little Italy with a friend. But by Tuesday night, she began experiencing back pain, which she attributed to an uncomfortable bed. As the pain persisted, she called her doctor in Florida, who urged her to head to the nearest Labor & Delivery unit immediately. “I hope you are not having this baby today; it is too soon,” the doctor cautioned. But on the morning of September 22, 1999, little DJ made his early entrance into the world, weighing just 2 pounds 12 ounces. His tiny cry was barely audible, prompting the doctor to quiet the operating room so Liz could hear her son’s first sound.

Despite the shock of his early arrival, DJ seemed to be doing well for a micro-preemie. However, two months later, while still in the hospital, DJ contracted an infection—a common occurrence for preemies. Tragically, a delay in administering medication allowed the infection to escalate, leading to meningitis. In an effort to protect his brain, DJ’s body responded by creating pockets of fluid, resulting in hydrocephalus. This condition required brain surgery and the insertion of a VP shunt that would remain with him for the rest of his life.

After spending nearly eight months in the hospital and undergoing numerous procedures, DJ finally came home in April 2000. The Rios family, living in Florida upon their doctor’s advice and following the events of 9/11, found that the warmer climate greatly benefited DJ’s health. His life in Florida was relatively stable, and he brought immeasurable joy and love to the Rios home. DJ was the embodiment of quiet strength—a “silent prophet” whose life spoke volumes without ever needing words.

However, in 2020, as the world was reeling from unprecedented events, DJ’s health took a turn. After undergoing gallbladder removal surgery, he developed gastroparesis—a condition that paralyzes the stomach, leading to severe bloating, nausea, and vomiting. For two years, DJ was in and out of the hospital as doctors struggled to identify the cause of his symptoms. Finally, the family was given a heartbreaking prognosis: nothing more could be done except to insert a feeding tube that would drip nutrients into his body 22 hours a day. But this could also increase the risk of infection to his shunt, possibly necessitating another brain surgery.

Before the family could fully contemplate their options, DJ was called home to be with the Lord on the morning of his 23rd birthday, September 22, 2022. His passing marked the end of a life filled with unimaginable challenges, but also with profound love, grace, and the quiet strength that became his legacy.

DJ was more than just a son or brother—he was the heart of the Rios family, a powerful preacher without words, whose silent witness impacted everyone who knew him. His life, though marked by physical limitations, was a testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring power of love.

The Daniel J. Rios Memorial Fund was established to honor DJ’s legacy by supporting organizations and communities that promote inclusion and compassionate care for special needs families. Each year, family and friends who knew and loved DJ come together to raise funds and give them to those who are doing good on the ground, ensuring that DJ’s quiet strength continues to inspire and uplift others.

DJ was loved beyond measure, and through this fund, his memory will live on, touching lives and fostering a more inclusive, caring world.