Family & Friends,
The years with the early dates for the American Heart Walk definitely keep us on our toes! As we prepare for this year's Heart Walk, it has prompted us to take a little visit down memory lane. . . .
In August 2009, a full 15 years ago, Danielle had two brain surgeries, (one on each side of her brain), to address the strokes that she had been continuing to have. Danielle tolerated those surgeries well. In fact, our CarePage entry for August 11, 2009, talked about Danielle doing what she needed to do after the first surgery (on a Friday) in order to get to Charlie's ball game on Saturday night!
After the surgeries were completed, we learned that Danielle had been the first patient to have that particular procedure! The surgeries turned out to be a wonderful success, and her results have had an impact on how the doctors have addressed similar patients since then. As many of you have noticed, the story of this innovative surgery was a cover story on the Wisconsin State Journal, as well as the Beaver Dam's Daily Citizen, over the past weekend. We are honored that they chose to feature Danielle in their articles, and everyone's feedback and encouragement have been truly heartwarming!
For this year's Heart Walk, we want to celebrate how far Danielle has come in the 15 years since those surgeries! From a 1st grade student to a 21-year-old adult, she has made such tremendous gains!!! In honor of her progress, and to ensure that that research and resources stay available for others to have this kind of success in the future, we are asking you to consider making a donation on Danielle's behalf, to the American Heart Association for the 2024 American Heart Walk. We are participating in the Madison Area Heart Walk on Saturday, September 14, working again with the UW-Health Congenital Heart Warriors Team. This will be our 22nd year of the Heart Walk!
In 2023, our friends and family came together and donated $6227.94, bringing our 21-year total to $64,027.05 - THANK YOU!! Based on that accomplishment, and the generosity of all of you, we have set this year's goal at $6500! We have been so blessed with all of your support in the past, and the need for research continues to grow. Please consider helping us to reach this goal! If you plan to donate - please know that any amount is appreciated. As always, we continue to believe - together we WILL make a difference!
David, Shelley, Charlie, Kirsten, Danielle, & Amelia