I appreciate you for being here,

My name is Tyler, and today I am introducing you to, and raising funds for, Dani. Whom I have been lucky enough to have as my best friend for more than half my life. Dani is a 34-year-old transgender woman living in Central Florida who has been fighting Parkinson’s disease since 2013. Over the years, her condition, through both the nature of Parkinson’s as well as heartbreaking neglect, has worsened to the point where her neck muscles have atrophied, she can no longer walk, speak clearly, or perform basic daily tasks without help. And requires intensive, round-the-clock care.

Dani has recently been abandoned at the hospital by her family, and is now facing forced placement into a nursing facility with incredibly disturbing reports of neglect, threats of abuse, and low health and cleanliness standards. if she refuses to go, she has been threatened with being left at a homeless shelter. She has also been told they will try to take away her legal autonomy to be sent against her will. If that happens, they will most likely stop Dani’s transition. And for someone who can’t walk or speak to find a way of feeling more comfortable in their own skin, I think is something worth fighting for. And as her best friend, I couldn’t be more proud of her for being so bravely herself in such an unwelcoming environment.

Dani once told me “no one listens to someone without a voice.” But I know the world has so much to gain from what she has still to say. And together we can give someone without a voice the ability to feel heard. Even those of us in the most difficult situations deserve hope. Every dollar you can spare, or pair of eyes turned towards this, can bring us closer to getting Dani out of a dangerous situation and into a place where she can feel safe, cared for, and is treated with the dignity every human being deserves.

My goal is to relocate Dani closer to me in California, some where she can be around people who accept her for who she is, and treat her with dignity and respect. Some where she can get the care she deserves and have me close by to make sure of it.

Please consider donating, even a small amount makes a huge difference. If you’re unable to give right now, sharing this with others is just as valuable.

There’s a poem that’s says “I often hear I care too much, how little I care to hear this. The world could be so different but each person makes a difference.”

Dani’s safety net is now just me, holding on by a thread of optimism, and you. Together we can make a difference.