For our love, DANILLE CHEA

Danille Chea, better known as Dani, is one of a kind. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to spend time with her, you know exactly what we mean. She’s kind, generous, and spends the majority of her time helping others. In addition to being the most dutiful mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, Dani has also spent her entire career in healthcare, taking care of her patients and colleagues. Unfortunately, on New Years Day in 2023, she got the worst news of her life.

After Danille developed severe abdominal pains, it was later confirmed to be Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. The news was devastating to her and her family, who were still grieving the loss of their grandmother just a month before. While the diagnosis drastically changed her life, you would never be able to tell. She remains passionate, strong, and continues to provide for her family. Dani is determined to fight this, but that doesn't mean she should have to do it alone! We remain steadfastly by her side. She beat it once before, and we know she will beat it again.

On January 20th, 2023, Dani bravely began her chemotherapy treatments against this aggressive cancer that riddled her with excruciating pain. Dani underwent major surgery on April 10th, the day before her 35th birthday, which was hugely successful and helped her beat the cancer a few months later! She battled this disease for 8 months with fervor and high spirits -- thanks to all of you and your constant support :) On July 17th, 2023, Dani rang the bell!

With a new lease on life, Dani celebrated her triumph over ovarian cancer by living her life to the fullest. She jumped back into work full time (she was working during her treatments too!) and made sure to never miss a milestone moment with her family and friends. Dani and Josie welcomed new nieces and nephews, new relatives, and new homes. She watched her daughter, Lorie, graduate 8th grade and begin high school. They're talking about colleges now! For her 36th birthday, which also served as the one-year anniversary of her lifesaving surgery, childhood friends from overseas pooled together funds to buy flights for her, her husband, Josie, and Lorie so they could meet them in Paris and share in the celebration of her victory. They even got to meet their favorite Brazilian singer, Anitta, backstage at her concert!! Everything was on the up and up, until Dani began experiencing pain in her lungs around the end of April.

Since then, the trips to the hospital and all the struggles that come with them have become routine once again. After months of complications and invasive tests, Dani's worst fears were realized: the cancer is back. Despite this, Dani's spirits are high and she is ready to fight again. She is back in the game, and we hope you will join #TeamDani and support her through this battle!

Her journey continues to be long, arduous, painful, and financially taxing on us. While this weighs heavily on our hearts and minds, your love and words of encouragement have such an incredible impact on Dani and her recovery. All well wishes and any donations to support Dani’s medical expenses, treatment, and extended care would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

MORE ABOUT DANI!

Danille was born and raised just outside of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. She attended college in Rio where she got her medical education. She’s always been fiercely independent and resourceful, which led to her immigrating to the United States on her own at the age of 19. She has since established a successful career in a field she loves, first as a Certified Nursing Assistant and now as a supervisor for phlebotomists at a clinical laboratory.

In 2009, Dani welcomed her daughter Lorie into this world and every day, they continue to learn the many ways they are similar (even if neither of them want to admit it just yet LOL).

Dani has always wanted what is fair and just. She will always fight for others to have the same, whether you are her friend, a co-worker, or simply someone passing by. However you know Dani, you know that she’s someone you can always count on.

As Dani goes through her second round of treatment, any amount will help her family with expenses that are likely to add up. Whether it’s a donation, sharing this fundraiser, or an encouraging message, we deeply appreciate your support.

A message from her mother, Maria Tereza:

Filha, nosso orgulho e inspiração, bondosa demais, maravilhosa irmã, sobrinha, prima e mãe amorosa, que sonha ver sua filha crescer e se desenvolver, esposa querida, grande amiga, profissional admirável, excelente em tudo o que faz, sempre ajudando, tirando de si mesma para atender a necessidade do outro, sem nada pedir em troca, um grande ser humano, generosa com todos, quantas vezes sua ajuda, salvou pessoas queridas de situações extremas, e ela fica feliz em ajudar, dedicando recursos, sacrificando a si mesma para lutar por sua família, seus amigos e qualquer ser humano que possa estender a mão, apoiar e socorrer. Hoje, mesmo com dor e sofrendo com esta situação, ainda tem respeito e pensa em fazer o bem a mais pessoas ainda, colocando-se como voluntária pela causa de outros que, como ela, lutam pela vida. A equipe da saúde está dedicada em seu caso e está apostando nesta jovem mulher guerreira.

Quanto amor, carinho e gratidão podemos ter por ela?

Ela merece e precisa de Luz, todo nosso apoio, mensagens positivas e sua ajuda.

Que sejamos por ela, o que ela sempre foi por todos …

Que sua dor passe logo, que receba nosso amor, muita Luz e suporte. Danille que tem apenas 34 anos, e já fez tanto bem, poderá fazer mais ainda, no futuro que a aguarda. Ela precisa de nós, agora!

Esta luta é dela e nossa, com ela, por ela e por tudo o que ainda poderá fazer por outras pessoas. A guerreira construiu uma carreira de conquistas com bondade, amor ao próximo, honestidade, justiça e muito trabalho. Agora, estamos por ela, que merece todas as bençãos. Deus no comando determina a vitória!

Receba o apoio e todo o amor de sua família, seus amigos e cada um que sabe a pessoa humana que você é! Te amamos Danille!!!

A note from her best friend, Andreza Pias:

Danille as a friend is the most loyal, thoughtful, and loving friend a person can have. I've known Danille since 1999 and her friendship has showed me that no matter the distance, when a friendship is real, you can see each other once every couple of years and nothing will be different. No matter the distance she was always my best friend.

I also learned what a selfless friend is and that her friendship is not lightly and that’s why I love her so much. Danille is such an amazing friend that I could be here writing so many of her selfless and loyal acts as a friend but one I think is enough for you to understand her heart. When I went through the breakup of my marriage she was there like no other friend would be. Who would have left her freshly engaged fiancé to come to the rescue of a friend in need?

Obviously, Danille is that kind of friend. She had literally been engaged for 3 hours, but made her fiancée drive and bring her to be with me as I cried in bed and laughed in bed with her. Her first night engaged she slept with me so she could be by my side. She will move mountains to make her friends and family happy and taken care of - that’s the kind of friend she is!

To me the best way to describe Danille is to say that she is the best … the best mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend. And to this kind of human being that is selfless I think anyone can take a little time to donate to her as she goes through this tough time in her life.

PLEASE LEAVE WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT, LOVE AND WISDOMS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW, AND PLEASE SHARE!!