My name is Barb, and I'm Dani's mom.
Many of you recently saw the video of my daughter in the hospital experiencing serotonin syndrome. Over 12 million people watched it. Thousands of you reached out with prayers, kind words, and your own stories. We are overwhelmed with gratitude.
But what most people don't know is that this moment was just the latest chapter in a journey that began back in October 2020 — one that has pushed our family, and our daughter, to the edge.
How It All Started
In October 2020, Dani was hospitalized with sepsis — a life-threatening infection that began from a UTI with no symptoms. The strong antibiotics used to save her life wiped out the good bacteria in her colon, which led directly to what came next.
In January 2021, Dani was hospitalized again and diagnosed with recurrent C. diff (Clostridioides difficile) — a severe, recurring infection in the colon.
Not Always Believed or Heard
In February 2021, Dani went to Saratoga Hospital extremely sick — and was sent home without a diagnosis. She was told she must just be sick. Days later she was admitted to Glens Falls Hospital where she tested positive for C. diff again — confirming what had been dismissed just days before.
The Battle Continued
March 2021 — Hospitalized again with Salmonella
May 2021 — Another C. diff recurrence
June 2021 — Approved for a fecal transplant to try to break the cycle
2022 — The transplant failed. She tested positive for C. diff again.
Living With Chronic Illness
By 2023, Dani was hospitalized again and diagnosed with ulcerative colitis — a chronic, lifelong inflammatory disease of the colon. Since then she has been living with both ulcerative colitis and recurring C. diff, managing severe symptoms, repeated hospital visits, and the crushing emotional toll of chronic illness.
The Recent Emergency
Most recently, Dani was prescribed Seroquel to help her sleep. The pharmacy couldn't fill it for 10 days. During that gap she used over-the-counter sleep aids that interacted with her antidepressant and caused serotonin syndrome — a dangerous, life-threatening condition. That is the moment you saw on video.
Seeing my daughter like that is something no parent should ever have to experience.
We Are Asking for Help With:
Years of accumulated medical bills
Ongoing specialist care for ulcerative colitis and C. diff
Medications and treatments
Travel to appointments
Basic recovery and stability
Dani is strong. She keeps fighting. But nobody should have to fight this hard alone.
If you can donate — even a small amount — it means the world. If you can't donate, please share. Sharing is just as powerful.
For Dani's full story and updates, visit:
With all my love and gratitude,
Barb — Dani's Mom ❤️