In January, I received the phone call no mother ever wants to get. My daughter, Dani, who is in her mid 20's, was being rushed to the hospital by ambulance—she couldn’t walk, talk, or move her right side. The doctors quickly ran tests for a stroke and found two blockages. During her initial hospital stay, the doctors discovered a mass on her heart valve, which became the reason she was sent to Pittsburgh for a dedicated team of specialists. Over the next several weeks, Dani endured countless tests, scans, and met with many different doctors and specialists.

Her team of doctors also discovered a PFO, which is hole between the heart chambers. She was scheduled for open heart surgery, and we all prepared for her to possibly need a new heart valve, but fortunately she didn't end up needing the valve replacement.

Surgery day was filled with love and support, but recovery was rough and very painful. The surgeons closed the hole and were very happy with how how well the whole procedure went. Thankfully, Dani had an incredible team of doctors, nurses, and therapists to guide her and our family through every step. Throughout her entire hospital stay, Dani worked hard with physical therapy and was able to walk, talk, feed herself, and even manage a few stairs. She got stronger every day, gaining more and more strength through out the entire hospital stay, which was about a month long. She has been home since the end of February and has continued to put in the work to recover fully.

Dani has not been able to work since January and might not go back for another month. She still faces medical bills and more specialist visits ahead. The funds raised will help cover her medical bills, travel for appointments, daily needs like food, and prescription costs. We are so grateful for any support you can give to help Dani on her road to recovery. Your kindness will make a real difference in her life.