Hi! My name is Maddie, and I'm creating this fundraiser for my best friend, Danielle. Danielle and I have been best friends since high school; with over 10 years of friendship, we've grown alongside one another, throughout many versions of ourselves. I was even Danielle's maid of honor at her wedding in June 2025, but life hasn't always been rosy.

In 2018, our world was shaken up. One night after playing D&D with a group of friends, I received a sobering phone call from Danielle's mom, Michelle, notifying me that Danielle was in the hospital in critical condition. Driving home one night after dance practice, she had been hit head-on by a drunk driver who was going over 70mph the wrong way on the California freeway. He crashed his car directly into her. Her car violently spun out and rescuers had to use the jaws of life to save her. The fact that they both made it out alive of the accident is a miracle.

Unfortunately, although the perpetrator has multiple DUIs on his record, he got away scot-free. Justice has not been served, and almost 8 years later, Danielle is still dealing with the consequences of someone's irresponsible and selfish actions.

Danielle has already had to undergo multiple surgeries throughout the years. The initial impact and trauma stripped away her ability to dance, but over the years, she's tirelessly worked her way back to dancing. She even tours in Europe with her troupe, as depicted in the video accompaniment. Danielle is easily one of the strongest and most inspirational people I know, and I am so proud and happy to call her my best friend. Despite all the hardship she's faced (even losing her dad eight months before the accident), she still shows up and is a complete fighter.

But she still needs our help. And that's where I'm hoping we all come in. As most of you know, medical care is not cheap in America. Because of the amount of surgeries she's had from being hit by a drunk driver, her insurance is unable to cover the cost.

Our goal is $70,000. This amount will cover her surgery and extensive physical therapy. To give an idea, if 700 people donated $100 (around a day's work, more or less if $15/h), we would meet our goal. Or if 1,500 people donated $50 (around 3 hours of work if $15/h), we would meet our goal. But ultimately, any amount is extremely and greatly appreciated.

Here's a message from Danielle's mom, Michelle:

Hello everyone!

Many of you know that daughter, Danielle, was hit by a drunk driver 7 years ago. Unfortunately, she is still suffering from back pain and requires a 4th surgery. Her insurance will not cover any of it.

Danielle is a kind, hard-working young woman who will be joining the Peace Corps as she's earned her master's degree.

Any amount you can contribute would be amazing as the surgery and extensive PT will be $70k+.

Thank you very much for all of your love and support.