Donate to Danielle's Heart Surgery and Recovery and Travels

Hi! My name is Danielle. I'm scheduled for July 17th for my 6th open-heart surgery.

Boston Children's Hospital has always worked on me since I was a newborn. Now that I'm going for my 3rd as an adult, I'll be going to Brigham Women's, which is connected to Boston Children's Hospital.

Dr. Emani worked on me almost 9 years ago. I'm so happy he will be working on me again. He did amazing work! Last time, I chose to use another tissue valve to replace the pulmonary and aortic valves.

On March 3rd of this year, I had a stroke due to my aortic valve sending out a blood clot that tried to go to my brain. Come to find out, my valve is failing and needs to be replaced again.

The reason I chose to go with tissue is because I didn't want to be on blood thinners, especially because I love my work with horses. However, my cardiologist has decided I will need to be on blood thinners now either way. So, I'm going to go with the mechanical valve, and since he's going to go in to replace the aortic, he's also going to replace the pulmonary valve to be a mechanical valve.

I still live in Kansas, so I will have to make the trip to Boston, and it is very important that my husband and my daughters come. They are both 16, and they also insist on coming. Having my close family there really helps to bring the positive energy for me and helps me to recover.

We are going to need help with funds for medical bills from my stay here due to the life-saving surgery from the blood clot to my brain. I'm owing around $9,000 for all of my hospital stay, surgery, doctor's appointments, and other medical tests.

We also need help with funds for our travels to and from Boston. We have decided to rent a car and drive to Boston. Cost estimates around $650:

1. This will reduce the amount of money to get there compared to flying.

2. This will make a fun road trip for my girls, husband, and me. We can go through states we haven't been to.

3. This will make a positive impression on our family.

We will be flying home after I'm discharged. This will be more expensive than driving, but I won't be able to drive long distances on the way back. Cost estimates around $1,500+

We will also need help with groceries while my hubby and girls will be staying during my recovery.

I love what I do, and I own my business Spirit Riding in Derby, KS. I have some great workers and business clients who are willing to work while I'm away and help take care of the horses, goats, chickens, pigs, geese, peafowls, and Lucy, our Great Pyrenees that guards our birds. I will need to repay them as well.

My heart is grateful for any help! I'm even willing to trade some riding in exchange for any donations towards me when I get back from my surgery.