By:Karenlyn Barone
Miller got Lynbrook-s Knights of Columbus, Valley Stream advocate Claudia Grammatico, Irish step dancers, the Glor Na nGael Pipes and Drums and a host of others to come out to support Danny.ÊÊÊÊ
Last Friday-s fund-raiser was a success and will help offset the cost of Danny-s transplant. Miller said the proceeds will be used to assist with Danny-s medical needs that are not covered, both prior to, and following surgery and during his lengthy recovery. ÊÊÊÊ
Diagnosed with leukemia at two-years-old, he battled the disease for several years and was finally cancer free by his seventh birthday.Then, at the age of eight, he underwent open-heart surgery to repair a congenital heart defect. Once again, a true fighter, he made it through the procedure.
Danny is fighting for his life, again. This year, during a routine gall bladder operation, doctors discovered he had Hepatitis-C the result of a blood transfusion the disease disease had caused irreparable damage to his liver and he would need a transplant.
The news everyone had been waiting for came at the end of October. A liver had been found and surgery was planned. But a few days later, after extensive pre-surgery testing, the attending cardiologist told the family that the risk factor for cardiac arrest during the transplant was too great to proceed. The doctors are now working on getting Danny-s heart healthy enough for the transplant.
Miller sent an e-mail to friends planning on attending the fundraiser a week before the event: Danny is still in theÊrace. He is now at a priority level on the National Organ Donor Transplant list. He waits every day for word of a new liver. Please do not give up your prayers and please come out and support .
People who know Danny will tell you that his story is not a sad one. He is a tower of strength. Danny-sÊspirit will dazzle you and you will be a better person by spending a moment with him, Miller said. The benefit was to show him our love and support. ÊÊÊÊ
The use of Knights of Columbus hall was donated, Knights manned the bar and served the food, and well-wishers packed the place and donated generously. ÊÊ
Danny-s mother Marie was overcome with emotion several times during the night. There is so much love in this room, she gushed. If this love could build a stairway to heaven, we would all be able to climb it tonight. ÊÊÊÊ
The biggest thrill of the evening, was a surprise appearance by Danny. With his mother pushing his wheelchair, brother, Dave, manning the microphone and his sister, Theresa, close at hand, Danny mingled with the guests thanking each and everyone for their support. ÊÊÊÊ Thank you. This is great, he said. I love it.
Comments about this story? KBarone@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext 202.
