WHAT WOULD D DO?! is a question that we've joked about, and by some measure, is meant to remind people to live their best lives - to enjoy friends, food, adventure, family and all that comes with the greatest joys in life.

Danielle is generous to a fault, often putting other people's needs above her own, and that's a role she's very comfortable with. She pours her heart and soul into everything she does and loves with a ferocity that is unparalleled in most people and rarely expects anything in return.

Just before Thanksgiving, Danielle went in for some tests to address some ongoing issues that included random aches and pains and fatigue that she couldn't shake that was draining her battery faster than she could recharge. During a standard stress test, the doctor determined that there could be some irregularity with her heart and ordered immediate rest and further testing. As you know, Danielle's first thought was on the dozens of people she was entertaining at her annual Turkey day feast and her beloved family and friends, so she scheduled an appointment for Wednesday of this week. It was a shock to all, but we were hopeful for an easy answer. Sadly that was not the case, and it was determined that there was a 99% blockage in a sensitive area of the heart, requiring immediate open-heart surgery to repair and bypass.

While we are relieved beyond measure that the surgery is behind her and that it went well, Danielle's long road to recovery has only just begun. She is still in ICU and will be at Hoag hospital for the remainder of the week, and will then move into a family member's home to start her months-long recovery. Danielle is one of the strongest people I know and will push herself to get up and back at it as soon as possible, but it will take time. And abundant resources. Sadly, her event business will cease during this time, as it did during the extended covid shutdown.

Many of you have asked, "What can we do?", "Can I send flowers?", When can we visit?" and I understand the helpless feeling. Please know she is under the best possible care, with her loving family supporting her, and she is fighting her way back. And although she isn't always able to respond, she does see your messages and appreciates all of the love and prayers coming her way.

There will be plenty of time for visits down the road....you know it will be hard to keep a good woman down!

I hope you might consider contributing to the recovery fund we are setting up for her to relieve the burden and stress of unplanned medical expenses and loss of income. 100% of your donations will be used directly for her ongoing needs.

For those I don't know, I'll end by sharing a gift that Danielle bestowed upon me when we first met. I was brand new to Orange County, fresh from New York, and took on the task of producing a charity gala at the St. Regis the very first day I arrived on the west coast. As the Director of Catering, Danielle welcomed me as a friend and treated me as a family member before too long. She opened up her vast Rolodex and recruited people to help, inspiring them to serve and contribute while using her tremendous skills and creative talent to propel the event to great success. And since then, I've seen her do the same for hundreds of organizations, raising millions of dollars and curating an extraordinary array of people to follow her lead to living a life of significance and profound purpose. And we became "sisters by choice" along the way.

I hope to bring that same level of care and commitment back to her now, in her time of need. She's earned it.

Thank you for your consideration and support!