Hello everyone,

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Aleksandra, and I am Daniela’s younger sister. I still can’t believe what I am about to share is real, and I’m not sure how we got here—but here we go.

Early Thanksgiving morning, our family received news that turned our world upside down. What began as an emergent visit to the ER to follow up on abnormal blood work, quickly turned into Daniela being transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where she began immediate evaluation and treatment for Acute Leukemia. While we wait for the results of her bone marrow biopsy, the team has been working hard to prepare her for what lies ahead. She has been receiving medications to bring her white blood cell levels down, transfusions to keep her hemoglobin stable, and preventive treatments such as antivirals, antifungals, and antibiotics to protect her from infection. The specialists estimate that she could be in the hospital for up to six weeks, with intensive treatment beginning as soon as the biopsy results return sometime in the next few days.

If you know Daniela, you know she has one of the biggest hearts and always puts others before herself. Even in the midst of this chaos, her first worry was about who would replace her at work while she is gone, and when she would be able to return. For 20 years she has worked in the same construction office, and for 27 years she has taught dance. Her young students are her heart and her entire world. She loves them deeply, and they love her just as much. More than anything, she looks forward to being reunited with them as soon as possible.

I am creating this GoFundMe to support my big sister in what will be one of the toughest moments in her life. I want to make sure she is at ease and has nothing to worry about other than getting better and coming home. Daniela has always been a warrior for others, and now it is time that we are hers. Any kind of support is welcome, whether it be a card, donation, a video message, homemade food, or simply a visit to uplift her spirits. Every donation will go directly to Daniela to help with unforeseen hardships such as bills, medical expenses, supplies, and after care. For those who have already reached out, visited, or brought gifts to make her hospital room feel like home, we are forever thankful.

This journey will be challenging, and we have a tough few weeks ahead, but I am confident that her strength, resilience, and determination will carry her through, and get her home to us in no time. Daniela is in great spirits and thankful for everyone’s love and support. I will continue to use this page to update everyone as more information comes in.

I love you Dada, you’ve got this in the bag. Everyone will have a front row seat to watch you kick cancer’s ass.

#DanielaStrong