Stand by the Dato Family in Crisis

One of Conejo Valley's most exemplary families, the Dato family, needs our help.

You may recall eight years ago when the family's Agoura Hills home completely flooded after a natural spring suddenly sprung under the foundation of their home. The damage was widespread, costing them hundreds of thousands of dollars to mitigate the consequences, and displaced them for well over a year. The two Dato boys were only eight and 10 at the time. Considered external groundwater and an "Act of God", insurance covered none of the cost. The family is still recovering from that loss.

To know this family is to adore them. They are the easiest family to love, because they would do ANYTHING for you (and in many cases already have). God only knows why they have received more than their fair share of lemons. (Hence the Christmas card from the year of the notorious and never-ending ground water flood).

In the early hours of March 17, tragedy again struck. The Datos' youngest son, Brett (16), suffered a sudden seizure as a result of a treatment-resistant month-long common sinus infection that had required multiple doctor visits, and trips to the local ER. This time he was taken to West Hills ER where it was determined that he needed to be transported to UCLA Pediatric ICU immediately. Throughout his illness over the last month, he had good days where he played basketball and lacrosse and was planning to play with his school band in Nashville the weekend of March 21. He never complained but he did wonder why his lacrosse helmet hurt so much when he tightened it. This same evening he underwent lengthy emergency brain surgery (March 17) followed by another 4-hour sinus surgery the very next morning (March 18). Doctors recommend weeks at best, with potential short-term hospitalization exceeding a month or more.

The Dato family has given much to our community. Both boys are Eagle Scouts and they volunteered hundreds of hours to serve our community. Dad Greg was voted Scout Master of the year in 2022 and Mom Jennifer is a yard supervisor and instructional aid for the Las Virgenes school district. Both are involved in supporting all the various programs and athletic endeavors of their sons.

Saying that Brett and the Datos have a long road ahead of them is an understatement. The medical bills, the loss of work, the therapies, rehab, home health expenses, the unknowns … and while they would never in a million years ask or expect a penny's worth of help, we all feel so desperate to do something. So here we are. If you have a few dollars burning a hole in your pocket let's bless our friends by lightening their load. We know them. We love them. Let's help them.