Help Danny Fight Brain Tumor & Facial Paralysis
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Dear friends, family, and compassionate supporters,
Our big brother, Danny—a devoted husband to Tiffany and a loving father to Adallyn (10) and Ford (7)—is facing an increasingly tough battle. His journey has been a challenging one, and we want to share his history with you in hopes of rallying prayer and support during this difficult time.
Danny's Story:
Danny was born and raised in the close-knit community of Eagle River, Alaska. Growing up, he was a passionate hockey player, forming lifelong friendships on the ice. His love for sports didn't stop there; he found joy in golf, cherishing the competitiveness and camaraderie it brought him. Working in the oil industry, Danny is no stranger to hard work and dedication, always providing for his family with a smile. Growing up, our big brother has always been our inspiration, setting excellent examples of how great men should live and love.
The Unseen Struggle Begins:
About five years ago, Danny began noticing a loss of hearing in his left ear. He chalked it up to the loud nature of his job in the oil industry. As time went on, over the past three years, his balance started to falter. The optimist that he is, Danny attributed it to fatigue or stress. It wasn't until his golf game—a true passion of his—began to decline that he realized something was seriously wrong.
Prompted by these concerning changes, Danny visited the doctor last year, marking the beginning of a long and arduous medical journey.
Medical Journey Timeline:
- November 20, 2023 (Diagnosis): An MRI revealed a large left-side benign brain tumor known as an Acoustic Neuroma or Vestibular Schwannoma, approximately the size of a cutie orange (5.2 cm). The tumor was causing dangerous fluid buildup in his brain. The MRI results were read almost immediately, and Danny and Tiffany began communicating with surgeons at Virginia Mason Medical Clinic in Seattle, Washington that evening to start coordinating care.
- November 30, 2023 (1st Surgery – Spinal Fluid Shunt): Danny underwent a VP shunt placement to alleviate hydrocephalus, a condition involving increased spinal fluid in the brain. The fluid needed to be reduced and the pressure in the brain needed to come down before the doctors could start to safely remove the tumor itself.
- January 11, 2024 (2nd Surgery – Brain Tumor): The first major resection surgery was performed using the trans-labyrinthine approach through his left ear (this approach involves making an incision behind the ear and removing bone to access the skull base).
- Before surgery, hearing tests confirmed complete deafness in his left ear. Sadly, he is not a candidate for a cochlear implant due to permanent nerve damage.
- Surgery Results: Although the first surgery was successful, the surgeons were only able to remove 75% of the brain tumor due to its immense size and would have to perform a second surgery approaching from a different direction in his skull base. He went through months of physical therapy where he had to relearn how to walk.
- May 17, 2024 (3rd Surgery – Leg Tumor): Danny had surgery to remove another benign schwannoma tumor from his right calf—an unrelated yet additional medical hurdle that tested his strength through a possible cancer scare.
- September 5, 2024 (4th Surgery – Brain Tumor): A second resection surgery was conducted using the retro-sigmoid approach through the back of his head.
- Surgery Results: While the tumor removal was successful, Danny suffered an intraoperative injury to Cranial Nerve VII, resulting in full paralysis of the left side of his face.
- September 11, 2024 (5th Surgery – Eye): To prevent blindness and assist in closing his left eye—which lost function due to the facial nerve injury—a platinum-weight implant was placed in his left eyelid.
- September 26, 2024 (6th Surgery – Facial): Danny will undergo a nerve transfer and cross-face nerve graft surgery in hopes of restoring movement and function to his face.
- 6 months/1 year later (7th Surgery - Facial): A Stage 2 nerve transfer and cross-face nerve graft surgery will be performed to restore feeling in his face and facial reflexes (smiling, etc.).
The Impact on Danny and Our Family:
Throughout this challenging journey, Danny has shown incredible strength and resilience. The once energetic and active man, who loved playing hockey with his hometown friends and hitting the golf course, now faces daily struggles. Tiffany has been his rock, balancing her roles as a caretaker, mother, and provider. Their children, Adallyn and Ford, have been brave beyond their years, offering smiles and hugs when Danny needs them most.
Danny's ties to the Eagle River community run deep. His hockey family and friends have been a source of encouragement, reminding us of the power of unity and shared history. Yet, the emotional and physical toll of his condition is immense, and the mounting medical bills, travel costs, and daily expenses are becoming overwhelming. Danny has been fortunate to have good healthcare and a supportive employer, but the uncovered medical expenses and loss of wages have continued to add up with each additional surgery. The financial strain is adding stress during an already challenging time.
How You Can Help:
We are reaching out to our community, friends, and kind-hearted strangers for support. Through your generous contributions, our goal is to raise $15,000 to help alleviate the family’s financial burden on:
• Medical bills not covered by insurance
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy/occupational therapy
• Medications and specialized medical equipment
• Plane tickets, hotel rooms
• Daily living expenses to support the family during this difficult period
Every donation, regardless of size, brings us one step closer to easing the burden on Danny and our family.
Other Ways to Support:
- Share Our Story: Please share this campaign with your network to help us reach as many people as possible.
- Send Words of Encouragement: Your messages of hope and support mean the world to us and provide strength on tough days.
A Message from Our Family:
Danny's journey is a testament to his strength and the love that surrounds him. From the ice rinks of Eagle River to the oil fields, he has touched countless lives with his kindness, humor, and unwavering spirit. As we navigate this difficult path, we hold onto hope and believe that better days are ahead.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for taking the time to read Danny's story. We want to thank everyone, family, friends, and strangers who have already helped so much. Your prayers, support, and generosity have given us strength and hope during this challenging journey.
With love and gratitude,
The Ghan Family
Co-organizers (3)
Aaron Ghan
Organizer
Anchorage, AK
Daniel Ghan
Beneficiary
Tiffany Ghan
Co-organizer