Daniela

We are devastated to hear of the loss of our beautiful Daniela, a valued member of our Burger Joe family & friend to us all.

we’re raising money for Daniela’s family.

Back in October, Daniela was diagnosed with cancer after doctors found a 10 cm tumour on her kidney. Despite the distressing news, Dani had been nothing but intrepid - undergoing very invasive surgery to remove her kidney and part of her liver in the hopes that her cancer would be removed too. Unfortunately, Dani’s recovery process was cut short as medical professionals informed us that Dani’s cancer had spread to her lungs and her spine; not only this, it was very apparent that her cancer was extremely aggressive. The coming days proved difficult as Dani bravely underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, a process that was extremely strenuous on her healing body as well as her mental health. Nonetheless, Dani took everything like an absolute champ, smiling and cracking jokes along the way with family members as well as her nurses.

As time passed, the impact of chemotherapy, as well as her growing tumours, caused a lot of pain to Dani; she began losing weight, losing her hair, as well as losing her independence as her spinal tumours ceased all functioning of her lower body. As time passed, Dani grew more and more determined to get better and return to her normal life. During all of this her parents and five siblings made sure to be by her side through all the smiles and tears, making sure to care for Dani, while also adding that sense of normality in an environment that is so focused on cancer recovery.

Dani's second round of chemo made it impossible for her to return home for Christmas, and so, instead her parents and siblings brought Christmas to her! Making sure to arrive in matching Christmas pyjamas with stockings and sacks full of presents. The day was definitely bittersweet as we spent as much time as possible in Dani’s company before having to return back home for the evening. Shortly after Christmas we received the news that the chemotherapy was just destroying Dani, and not her cancer, as her tumours continued to spread with no sign of diminishing.

On Monday 9th January, Dani made the choice to be transported back home with the hopes of letting her heal and grow stronger before continuing with alternative treatment options. We were able to celebrate Dani’s 19th birthday on the 11th - as well as her sister Kayla’s 17th birthday the following day - surrounded by loved ones, family, friends, and (most importantly to Dani) our two dogs.

Shortly following the birthday celebrations, Dani’s health unfortunately began to deteriorate. On January 17th, our beloved Dani passed away surrounded by her siblings and parents.

Dani was known to many for her contagious laugh, exceptional intelligence, quick-wit, cheeky nature and beauty - both inside and out. She was and always will be loved so unconditionally by all those lucky enough to experience her light. Our family will be eternally grateful for the loving support from those at The Christie/ Young Lives Vs Cancer; the incredibly kind words from relatives and friends; and genuine love everyone has given to Dani and our family recently. It has meant the world to us all.

We are devastated to hear of the loss of our beautiful Daniela, a valued member of our Burger Joe family & friend to us all.

we’re raising money for Daniela’s family.