Foundation Mission
To celebrate and support children and adults with disabilities and their caregivers
We found the Cohen Syndrome Association (CSA). It’s a non-profit that helps children and adults with Cohen Syndrome and their families. They host an annual symposium that brings together experts in the medical field of optometry, hematology, pediatrics and genetics to teach Cohen Syndrome families ways to improve their lives. They advocate for research, education and support for Danny and all of his Cohen Syndrome Cousins. There are less than 1,000 children and adults worldwide who have this rare syndrome.
Danny and our family have been so fortunate to have such supportive and loving family, friends and community. The saying “It takes a village” pertains to Danny and our family. His life has been so filled with opportunities of adaptive activities and the most loving friends, teachers, personal care workers and even strangers we meet give and receive so much love to and from Danny.
Board Members
Matthew Caron
I’m Danny’s dad. Danny has been a popular and recognizable kid growing up. So often people would say “Hi Danny” and refer to me as “Hi Danny’s dad”, which I loved. I grew up in St. Paul and have raised a beautiful family in Hudson WI. I feel incredibly grateful to have an amazing family, fun loving and generous friends and a community that has always loved and helped our Danny Boy.
I’m a founder and owner of Caron Chiropractic and Physical Therapy. I have been a practicing chiropractor since 1992 in St. Paul, MN. I attended Cretin H.S., Cornell College, University of Utah and Northwestern College of Chiropractic earning a doctorate of Chiropractic in 1992. I Served on the Minnesota Chiropractic Association Board for 5 years and the Hudson Hospital Foundation Board for 6 years.
My wife Michelle, son Jacob and I created a 503c 3 non-profit. The Danny Boy Foundation Inc.was created in 2024. I love our mission which is to “Celebrate and support children and adults with disabilities and their caregivers”. The Danny Boy Open is our main fundraiser. It is a charity golf tournament that is about bringing family, friends and our community together to have the best day ever while raising money for special, wonderful people who deserve to be celebrated and need a little help.
Michelle Caron
Michelle Caron, aka Danny Boy’s Mom, is passionate about celebrating the differences in people. A licensed English teacher, I have preferred to work in the special needs arena of education. I have worked as a tutor at a learning center, alternative learning center and currently work as a writing tutor at the most diverse technical college in Minnesota.
When we got Danny’s diagnosis, I quickly went to work researching every therapy that could potentially help him. I served on the parent advisory committee in our school district advocating for my son and others and helping parents navigate IEP’s and get all the benefits their children deserve.
My strengths are Empathy, Developer, Responsibility, Discipline and Strategic. Empathy really fits me, as I have always tried to put myself in other’s shoes. I believe everyone has value, and it’s our duty to encourage them to realize their full potential and level of independence. It is a blessing to be Danny’s mom, and I have learned much about life from him – that kindness and love matter most.
On the Danny Boy Foundation Board, I am in charge of volunteers and organizing the silent auction (so please reach out if you wish to volunteer or donate to the silent auction). It is a blessing to be able to give back to our community and other caregivers.
Jake Caron
Jacob Caron, aka Danny Boy’s Brother, is passionate about golf. I felt helping with the Danny Boy Open would help me get even closer to my brother and cherish the connection I have with my brother. I’m a Union Plumbers Apprentice for Ryan Mechanical, one of the top mechanical contractors in the Midwest. Some of my attributes include my spunky personality, how caring I am, and my desire to help out when it’s needed.
On the Danny Boy Foundation Board, I am in charge of getting donations for the silent auction and tournament operations to make sure everyone has a great time out on the course.
It’s amazing to get to help out with such a great organization to help my brother and others with Cohen’s Syndrome, special needs and their caregivers.