Friends and family streamed into the hospital dayroom at Kahuku Hospital to wish Daniel a happy 23rd birthday, a milestone that his family feared he might not achieve.

The former Kahuku High School football star, who was struck by two vehicles on Aug. 25, 2003, is a living testament to the healing power of a family who pulled together to help him survive, said Rowena Reid, Mapu's aunt.

Daniel Mapu was holding anti-drug signs on Kamehameha Highway near Puakenikeni Street in Ka'a'awa when a Kahuku-bound pickup truck veered off the road and struck him. As he lay in the road, he was hit again by a Kane'ohe-bound van. Mapu suffered serious head injuries, and has battled to regain his speech and use of his limbs.

"This is his second birthday since his accident," Reid said. "It's really hard to see him like this."

Daniel Mapu, who was hit by two vehicles last year while waving anti-drug signs in Ka'a'awa, reaches for a soap bubble. Mapu spends Tuesdays through Thursdays at Kahuku Hospital.

HOW TO HELP Friends have organized a benefit concert to help defray the medical costs for Daniel Mapu's family. It is set for 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Turtle Bay Resort, Kahuku Ballroom. The concert features Root's Rockaz, Toa, Vaihi, Ho'onua & Three Plus and Cecilio & Kapono. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster outlets or ticketmaster.com or at the BYU-Hawai'i Aloha Center Front Desk.

"Every day I can go to work knowing that he's in good hands with you guys," said Simi Mapu, Daniel's dad. "Thank you guys for letting us come here. Thank you from our hearts.

"I know if Daniel could say it, he'd say thank you, too."

The days Daniel Mapu is not at the hospital he spends with his family in their home in Lai'e. His parents hope someday he can come home permanently. There are a series of medical steps that need to be met, Simi Mapu said. A meeting is set for tomorrow to talk with doctors and other healthcare officials over what the future holds for Daniel Mapu.

Although Mapu is in a wheelchair, he's alert and can move his left arm to embrace someone. Doctors have said he will never live a normal life. But that doesn't daunt the spirit of his parents and four brothers and sisters who have maintained a vigil around the clock.

His mother, Maryann, hopes for continued improvement. She knows it's possible, particularly when she compares his progress this year with last, when he was just emerging from a coma.

"We have a lot of work to go," Maryann Mapu said.

As nurses and hospital staff dug into the trays of food cooked in the Mapu kitchen, they all smiled and were happy to see Daniel Mapu doing so well.

They took pictures to capture the occasion on film. Some of the pictures will wind up on danielmapu.com, a Web site that was created by a friend of the family and is updated by Daniel's brother Jimmy.

One of the best things to come about from the accident, Simi Mapu said, was the well-wishes from strangers and the bond of friendship.

"When something like this happens, it teaches you what's important," Simi Mapu said. "It's a miracle he's alive today. People give us condolences, but I am happy to have him here.

"I only have one Daniel."