Danielle's Yearlong Cancer Treatment in Chicago

tldr (too long; didn't read) My best friend Danielle has an ultra-rare cancer and she has been approved for a life-saving double lung transplant. Their 12 + month stay in Chicago will require hefty resources (medical expenses and additional living expenses). Whatever you can donate (even if it's $1, though $1k would be nice), would be greatly appreciated. Danielle's full story is below. Thank you.

Danielle was diagnosed with an ultra-rare cancer just over 7 years ago. She was nicknamed “UNICORN” by her family because of the rarity of this cancer. She truly is a Unicorn, let me explain:

In 2016 she was diagnosed with stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma. She is one in a million people diagnosed with this disease each year, hence the nickname “UNICORN.” Her primary tumor engulfed her right adrenal gland and she had 20 metastases to both her lungs. This aggressive diagnosis eventually forced her to retire from her beloved career as an elementary general music teacher within the Fairfax County Public School System in Virginia. During her first oncology appointment the doctor stated, “we will do everything we can to prolong your life.” She looked to her husband Jay, grabbed his hand and said, “I’m sorry I can’t promise a long life together.” He held her hand, gave it a squeeze and stared into her eyes with the strength to carry them both in that moment. The bond and devotion that Danielle and Jay have is incomparable. This, along with Danielle’s faith in God, is unparalleled.

She persisted through some of the most arduous chemotherapy treatments. This meant trying three different lines of chemotherapy treatments which account to approximately 45 treatments over the course of six years. Danielle has had seven major surgeries over the course of six years. Her first surgery was to remove her primary tumor and right adrenal gland. She has undergone six total lung surgeries between 2017-2023, one of which was to remove her left upper lung lobe. She also has undergone three different radiation therapies. She’s experienced blood clots due to her body rejecting her Medi port and then a PICC line. This required a 5+ hour procedure to remove the blood clots that riddled her arms, chest, and jugular veins. Each surgery and radiation therapy has decreased Danielle’s lung capacity and stamina.

Unfortunately, after numerous lines of lung therapies and surgeries, the “whack-a-mole” approach has reached its expiration date.

Danielle’s next line of treatment is a clinical trial sponsored by Northwestern University in Chicago. The clinical trial is called DREAM: Double Lung Transplant Registry Aimed for Lung-limited Malignancies. As a cancer patient, Danielle is not eligible for any kind of organ transplant. Cancer patients are disqualified from the UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) transplant waiting list. However, as a participant in this clinical trial, she CAN receive this life changing double lung transplant. This clinical trial is the first of its kind. Receiving a double lung transplant will not only change her life expectancy and quality of life, but it will change the lives of her family and friends. She wants the opportunity to LIVE and LOVE her family, friends and explore her faith. The DREAM trial is truly a miracle opportunity to Danielle.

Danielle and her family are relocating to Chicago for this clinical trial and need help with many medical expenses and additional living expenses. The trial stipulates that she be a resident of Chicago for 12 months post-transplant. Along with organ transplantation essentials, she also must have at least two caregivers on hand for an unforeseen time period. These factors, along with numerous new medication requirements for anti infection and anti rejection, have generated a great need for any assistance you might be able to share.

I am asking on her behalf to help donate towards her future and her life.

Much Love,

Kristin Keller

(Danielle’s Maid of Honor, Crazy Best friend and Sista from anotha Mista)