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Honoring Danno in New Jersey and Kona

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Danno (Dan, Danny, Danny Boy, Daniel) Butelewicz was diagnosed with a rare Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

What Happened
His condition worsened when he contracted pneumonia in mid December, then on Tuesday, December 17th, he was having extreme trouble breathing and Jessi (his girlfriend) took him up to Kona Hospital. He was admitted into ICU.   They determined that on top of the pneumonia he had, he also has a blood clot in his lungs. 

On Wednesday, they medevaced him via helicopter to Straub Hospital on Oahu where he remains. More testing determined overall acute heart damage in two valves. His condition is still critical, and not stable, and he requires constant monitoring.  Currently he requires 24/7 oxygen,  has been on blood thinners, strong antibiotics and a myriad of other drugs to try and stabilize the complications.  It is unknown when he will be released. When he is over the pneumonia, the blood clot gone, his heart back to full function and the ILD stabilized - his team of doctors can help him determine the progression of the disease and create a plan for moving forward. 

Danno's spirits are up, he cannot receive cards or calls at this time, but can receive text messages. Please understand he may not be able to reply right now, but all prayers and positive vibes are appreciated.  Jessi has been staying with him (sleeping in a chair in his room) being his advocate and supporting him as much as possible (when not flying back to Kona to try maintain employment.)

What Does He Have
There are many different forms of this disease, his particular diagnosis is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).  There is no cure for IPF, the damage to the lungs is irreversible.  A lung transplant is one of the only options for extending life.   Basically, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF )is a rare type of lung disease that results in scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs for an unknown reason (idiopathic). Over time, the scarring gets worse and it becomes hard to take in a deep breath and the lungs cannot take in enough oxygen. In Danno’s case, both of his lungs are scarred.  It is rare for someone as young as him to get this. 

Recommended Treatment
Once Danno is released and home, he will need to start Pulmonary and Heart Rehabilitation.   Relocation to the mainland has been recommended by the doctors, in order to be considered for a lung transplant.

Help is Needed
Jessi is a server at Kenichi Pacific and is bouncing back and forth between Oahu and Kona, trying to maintain her work schedule, as best she can.  Any donations will be going towards helping Danno receive the important treatment he needs, along with helping them maintain a safe and healthy home for him, airfare and Lyft rides from the airport to the hospital.  If you prefer, you can contact Jessi to make a donation to them directly. 

Daily prayers and positive visions of Danno's full health are very much appreciated! 

As those of you who know Danno and Jessi, they've always been there for others in need, and it is hard to ask for help.  Any amount of donations are greatly appreciated, every little bit helps.  But most of all thank you for remembering him in your prayers. 

Updates
We will update this page as Danno's condition continues to improve ❤

MAHALO NUI!

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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $200 
    • 4 yrs
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Fundraising team (3)

Jessi Diederich
Organizer
Kailua CDP, HI
Dan Oo
Team member
Shelley Hoist
Team member

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