Help Support Dan's End of Life Wishes

Dan Maneval has been an activist for the LGBTQ Community for more than fifty years, having founded and co-founded some of the most influential, local organizations in Central Pennsylvania for the queer community. The very first organization he cofounded was almost fifty years ago, after which he cofounded The West Branch Gay Support Group. Then he founded Susquehanna Lambda which provided support groups and social activities for the LGBTQ community, as well as established The Gay and Lesbian Switchboard which was a life-saving resource for untold numbers of people who lacked support long before out performers graced our television screens and serenaded us on the radio. At a time when being different could mean death, by others or our own hands, Dan worked diligently to make safe spaces for others. His efforts literally saved lives.

Six years ago, Daniel received a cancer diagnosis that “left [his] whole body changed.” His life was altered drastically as he had to accommodate a colostomy bag and multiple surgeries that left him with two inoperable hernias that still continue to grow to this day. Dan had to stop working due to the diagnosis and the changes his body endured. He’s survived off of Social Security and the kindness of his community since that time.

The cancer may have kept him from working, but it didn’t stop his advocacy work. Even when exhausted, he started a community outreach group in the early 2020s and cofounded the 2022 Lycoming Out Day, the first gay pride festival in Lycoming County. Additionally, Dan was very active with AIDS Resource and participated in many marches and events to support those living with HIV. He’s also been an avid walker, and “walk-raced” in many competitions, usually coming in third place.

Years after his initial cancer diagnosis, he was diagnosed with melanoma. Then, several weeks ago, he was diagnosed with Leukemia and given a prognosis of six months to a year to live. And then, this past Monday, June 23rd, his doctor informed him that his red blood cells and platelets had dropped precipitously, updating their initial estimate from months to weeks.

At this time, it’s unclear how much time Dan has left. What is clear is that the toll the cancer has taken on him, and the result of his not being able to work, despite always living small and humbly, has left him without the funds needed for his end-of-life expenses. His hope is for a simple service with a cemetery plot and casket . The estimated cost for this is approximately $10,000.

Our hope is that we can grant Dan’s end-of-life wishes with the help of his community. However, Dan has acknowledged that this is a significant request. A small group of people Dan wanted to manage his affairs are currently working with Maneval Funeral Home to organize his funeral. Any funds raised and used will be transferred directly from the gofundme into Maneval Funeral Home's account as a means of maintaining integrity. Because we don’t know how to assess how his community may be able to help, Dan has come up with a step-based system for these services. So, depending on how much this gofundme receives, the money received will be put toward whatever level of service is closest to that amount. In the event that there should be an overage, it’s Dan’s wish that any leftover funds be donated to The Human Rights Compaign (HRC). Any amount helps and Dan is extremely grateful for the care his community has and continues to show him.