Support for Alex, Danielle and their family

We are creating this GoFundMe to support Danielle Dion and her whole family as her husband Alex Del Angel faces an unfathomable health challenge. On May 9th Alex suffered a parenchymal hemorrhage, which is bleeding in the brain stem area of the brain and his long-term prognosis is uncertain at this time. Many of us know Danielle as the kick-ass L&D nurse that she is, either as a co-worker or if you're lucky enough, as a patient. I'm sure there are so many wonderful stories we could all share. Below is a heartfelt story from their neighbor. Thanks for taking the time to read and support them in this overwhelming time.

As I celebrated Mother’s Day my thoughts turned to my neighbor, an amazing mother. Many mothers may have met Danielle as I did at the birth of my daughter. I didn’t know Danielle then as I do now but was so grateful for the kind and strong support she offered me on that day, calm, strong, and encouraging. In her role as a nurse at UVMMC she has helped many families, shared in their joy, and supported them through their struggles.

I’ve been blessed to have Alex and Danielle as neighbors for seven years. I’ve watched them raise their four beautiful children, the focus and joy of their lives. They’ve always welcomed my children and any child that entered their yard as a member of their family.

On Thursday, May 9th I watched their children cry as Alex was taken away in an ambulance, it was heartbreaking, they love their Dad so much. At the same time I was filled with grief for their family I was also filled with awe by Danielle. The strength she showed as she assisted the EMTs and comforted Alex with such love. Since that day I’ve seen her going non-stop, back and forth from the hospital, caring for her children, and being present at Alex’s side. Through all this, she still had a smile for me when I came to see her.

The stroke Alex suffered required emergency brain surgery and has taken his ability to communicate and use the right side of his body but we are all so grateful he is still with us. Like Danielle, Alex has a special way of making the world a better place and he is dearly missed by many whose days he brightened. The path ahead will not be easy for him, Danielle, Chloe, Olivia, Brandon, or Sylvannah and there are many unknowns. The last thing Sylvannah said to me that night was, “I hope Daddy will come home by Sunday for Mommy.” Unfortunately I couldn’t make that wish come true for her but as a community, we can offer our love and support to them and hopefully lessen the burden of all the medical bills and the challenges of supporting the family on only one income now. It’s the least we can do for a family that has given so much to the community.

Thank you again for your support. If you are not able to donate please take a moment to share this Go Fund Me.