DELAYNE STRONG

Until quite recently, Delayne DiGangi led the life of a typical high school senior. As a bright, compassionate, sensitive and driven student/athlete, Delayne was busy making plans for prom, applying to colleges, and dreaming about her future. On March 31st, the DiGangi family learned that Delayne was about to face the most difficult challenge of her young adult life. They learned that Delayne is afflicted with a rare genetic disorder called Wilson's Disease, which causes excessive accumulation of copper in the liver and/or brain. They also learned that this disease would prove to be fatal if it were not properly diagnosed and treated. And while certain drugs are available to treat this disease when discovered in the earliest stages, her condition was diagnosed as acute. The extensive damage to her liver made a liver transplant the only viable solution. As the DiGangi's desperately struggled to adjust to the burden of this unsettling news, test results confirmed that immediate action was required to save Delayne's life.

The aggressive progression of Delayne's condition pushed her to the front of the liver donor recipient list. Doctors were able to find a donated liver that was a perfect match at the perfect time, and early results suggest that her transplant surgery on Easter Sunday was a remarkable success. The prospects of a full recovery are so encouraging, the DiGangi's have renewed hope that Delayne might be able to graduate on time or perhaps be able to attend her senior prom - dreams which until quite recently were simply taken for granted. For now, the DiGangi's are anxiously looking forward to the day when Delayne can rejoin family, friends and supporters back home.

The Journey Has Only Just Begun

The DiGangi's are so thankful for family and friends in the greater Chicagoland area and beyond who have prayed for her and supported her in so many ways. Words cannot express their gratitude for each and every member of the medical team who helped save their daughter's life. At the same time, the medical bills tied to the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of Delayne's condition are extensive and ongoing. While the risk of rejection decreases as time goes on, it never goes away. Anti-rejection drugs and other medications will be required for the rest of Delayne's life. And because this is a genetic disorder, her siblings will also need to be tested and potentially treated for the same condition. The funds we hope to raise here will help meet critical and uninsured medically related expenses for the DiGangi family. Every little bit helps. Your contribution will help the DiGangi's secure a bright and healthy future for all their children.