Help Danny Fight Brain Cancer!

My name is Mia, and I have had the privilege of being a close friend of both Eileen Anatra, and her amazing family, for over a decade.  During this time, I have marveled at how effortlessly Eileen exemplifies what it means to be a true friend.  She is honest, sincere, generous in all forms - and most importantly, fiercely loyal to, and protective of, those she loves.  So, after learning about yet another piece of devastating news this family has received, I knew that we – all of us, near and far, that feel this way about Eileen and her amazing family – had to take action.   We know this battle can’t be fought alone, so let’s show this wonderful family that we’re fighting with them every step of the way.  

Danny’s Story

What happened… 
As some of you may know, Danny, Eileen’s 38 year old son, is facing the fight of his life.  In the early morning hours of April 29th, Danny’s girlfriend Heather awoke to find him suffering from what she perceived to be a violent nightmare.  Only to discover, when she was unable to wake him, that he was instead experiencing a Grand Mal seizure  - one so impactful that part of his tongue was severed.  He was immediately rushed to Florida Hospital South where tests would ultimately conclude that brain surgery was needed in order to determine the origin of the disease.   Eileen, who was in New York, caring for her 4 year old granddaughter who was also battling a serious illness, rushed to be by Danny’s side in advance of this surgery.   On May 2nd, with Heather, her parents John and Marlynn, and members of his family from New York and Virginia surrounding him, Danny underwent brain surgery.  The delicate procedure, which was two hours lengthier than planned due to the pervasive location of the tumor, confirmed what was most feared:  Cancer.  A grade 4, Glioblastoma.  Furthermore, given its proximity to the brain stem, the tumor could not be removed without risk of serious complications.  

Why we’re so pissed… 
What’s most heartbreaking is that if you could somehow rewind to April 28th, you’d find no indication of this impending diagnosis.  There were no symptoms, no signs, no bizarre behaviors.  Beyond that, Danny had not had a significant illness, much less a hospitalization, EVER.  How was this happening?  Danny and Heather had just returned from an Easter trip to VA to see family, and were excited about an upcoming trip to the beach a few short weeks later.  They were, like the rest of us, simply living life.  They had no idea that just a few short days later, hospitalizations would trump vacations, and that simple tasks we too often take for granted - like being able to drive or work - would be halted indefinitely.   Another punch to the gut for a family that has had more than their fair share of horrifying news.  As some of you may not be aware, this is not the only cancer diagnosis to blindside the Milano/Anatra family.  After months of feeling run-down and having multiple recurring illnesses, Eileen was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. 

Why we’re so hopeful…
Between video game competitions, rebuilding computers, or honing his self taught piano skills, “Ironman” Danny tackles difficult challenges with determination and fervor – a trait that he will undoubtedly rely upon in the months ahead.   And while Danny’s road to a "new normal” will continue to be met with a variety of challenges, there are also bright moments, and reasons to be grateful as well.  The seizures and brain biopsy that left him with trouble swallowing and a slowed response time when speaking, miraculously spared his cognition and he is as mentally sharp as ever.  Additionally, the team of physicians working with Danny are optimistic, given his age, his overall health, and the lobe in which the tumor is located, that cutting edge treatments may prove to be successful.   

What’s next…
In the immediate future, Danny will receive a rigorous treatment under the "STUPP protocol” which involves large doses of chemotherapy and radiation followed by the use of an Optune.  This wearable device is used after chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and uses low-intesity electric fields to help slow or stop glioblastoma cancer cells from dividing.  Given the breadth of treatment he faces, caregiver support from his family will be critical.   In addition to Eileen, and his sister Jessica, Danny’s father Bruce and stepmother Debbie, are also steadfastly committed to ensuring that a family member is present throughout this process.  So much so in fact that they are exploring ways in which they can permanently relocate from their home in Delaware to be with Danny in Florida.  Eileen has taken an intermittent leave of absence and will be traveling back and forth to assist in caring for Danny, while also fighting her own battle with cancer.  Additionally, clinical trials are being investigated at Sloan Kettering in NY, Duke Medical Center in NC, and Mount Sinai in Miami to determine Danny’s candidacy and eligibility.  Danny will be also heading to The Moffitt Cancer Center (top rated cancer center in FL) to meet with a neurosurgeon who specializes in "stereotactic radio surgery", a procedure that has shown success with Glioblastoma patients.  Given the time needed for these trips, as well as the nature of the aggressive treatment he will be receiving, Danny will obviously be unable to work for the foreseeable future.  Which, for a devoted Costco team member who has never missed a day of work in his 12 year tenure, will be hard in and of itself without the impending financial ramifications.  

How you can help…
I’ve been told that to live with cancer, is to expect a fight every day.  Fighting to wake up and face the challenges of the day.  Fighting through nausea, discomfort, pain, and the unknown.  Fighting to keep a smile on your face for your loved ones.  Fighting the urge not to give up.  Fighting for hope.  So much of Danny's fight is, and will continue to be, filled with unforeseen emotional and financial challenges.  And yes, while it would be an impossibility to eliminate the emotional challenges, we can certainly assist in alleviating some of the financial ones.   Thank you so much in advance for any and all contributions, and for spreading Danny’s story to individuals in your life that might also be able to assist.  

All funds raised will be used for:  
· Medical Treatments

· Medications

· Family Travel / Accommodations to and from Clinical Trial locations

· Family Travel / Accommodations to and from FL:  Where Danny will begin treatment.  His family members will alternate in serving as primary caregivers throughout his treatment while Heather works to provide for normal household expenses.

· Home modifications:  The large doses of anti-seizure medication needed to stave off another Grand Mal event have left Danny lightheaded and with poor balance.  Given that the shower chair that was been implemented did not prove to be safe, strong recommendations have been made for installing a more accessible shower with integrated chair/bench and safety grab bars.  

· All unused funds will be donated to the American Cancer Society

On behalf of Danny and his family, we are very grateful for the immeasurable amounts of love, prayers and well wishes that have poured in since the news of Danny’s battle spread.  They have been a source of immense comfort, hope and joy during this most needed time.  There are not enough words of gratitude for the outpouring of kindness they’ve received, and they are forever indebted for your ongoing support during this journey.