Since this fundraiser was created, our hearts have been shattered by the loss of Daniel. While this was never the outcome we hoped for, the love and support surrounding him and our family has been overwhelming.

Funds raised will now go toward memorial arrangements, final expenses, and supporting his wife and family as we navigate this unimaginable loss.

On January 19th, my 32-year-old brother Daniel's life changed in an instant during what was supposed to be a routine heart procedure.

Daniel was born with a congenital heart condition and has been under the care of specialists his entire life. Despite that, he's always been healthy, active, and positive - never letting his heart condition define him or slow him down. He's the kind of person who shows up for the people he loves and brings calm into any room he's in.

He was in the hospital for a planned catheterization procedure when the unthinkable happened. Daniel suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in the cath lab. The medical team immediately began life-saving measures, including CPR and emergency interventions. He was quickly placed on ECMO, a machine that supports the heart and lungs when they are unable to function on their own.

Where We Are Now

Since January 19th, Daniel has been fighting harder than we ever imagined possible.

Doctors performed emergency procedures, including placing a new stent and an Impella device to support his heart. He is now mostly off cardiac ECMO support but still needs ECMO support for his lungs and dialysis for his kidneys. Daniel is still 'sleeping', the medical team is closely monitoring his brain as it recovers from the prolonged resuscitation. The Doctors are doing everything they can to protect his recovery.

The road has not been linear. There have been setbacks and small victories, but overall Daniel is holding steady and showing the resilience we've always known him to have.

He faces a long ICU stay, extensive rehabilitation, and will eventually need open-heart surgery to replace his heart conduit / valves once he is stable enough. Right now, we are taking things one day at a time.

Why We Need Help

This medical emergency came without warning.

While Daniel does have insurance, no one plans for a crisis of this magnitude. What was expected to be a short recovery has turned into months of intensive care, rehabilitation, and time away from work.

We are raising funds to support Daniel and his wife, Cristal, through this.

Your support helps with:

Medical bills and out-of-pocket costs not fully covered by insurance

Extended ICU care, ECMO support, and upcoming open-heart surgery

Lost income during Daniel's long recovery

Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and follow-up care

Medications, medical equipment, and home needs during recovery

Day-to-day living expenses while Daniel focuses on healing

This support allows Cristal to stay by Daniel's side and focus on his recovery without the constant weight of financial uncertainty.

Thank You

We are deeply grateful for the doctors and nurses who acted immediately and continue to care for Daniel with skill and compassion.

We are also grateful for every message, prayer, share, and show of support from friends, family, and people we've never met.

We never imagined asking for help like this, but we are thankful beyond words for everyone standing with Daniel and Cristal during the hardest moment of their lives.

We will continue to share updates here as Daniel progresses. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

With much gratitude,

Steven & Family