Support Danielle Kowalski and family

Update - May 6:

First, thank you to all who have donated to support Danielle and John. They are extremely grateful and feel the love that is surrounding them at this challenging time. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Second - a few health updates. John came through surgery fine on April 24, although they did have to put a metal plate in his leg. He's healing, and Danielle is a little shocked at how well he's been able to actually rest. John is not normally one to sit so still for long periods of time!

Unfortunately, Danielle did have to go back into the hospital right before John's surgery, which also was a day she was scheduled for chemo. Her blood pressure was dropping so they were keeping an eye on her. It pushed back her chemo, which is frustrating, but necessary. She's now at the halfway point with chemo - 4 down, 4 to go.

Please continue to keep Danielle and John in your hearts, thoughts, prayers - wherever you hold a place for people you care about. There's still a long way to go.

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Dear friends, family, and other supporters:

We are reaching out to you today to extend a helping hand to our friends, Danielle and John Kowalski. As most of you may know, Danielle was diagnosed with Stage 3B rectal cancer and sigmoid cancer on November 4, 2023 (which just happened to be John's 60th birthday). Since that time, she's undergone treatment with radiation and chemo pills, and now is going through chemo at Froedtert Hospital.

Complicating matters, John took a fall on April 1, in which he broke the lower part of his fibula and tore a tendon in his ankle. His injuries will require surgery, which is scheduled for April 24, the same day Danielle has chemo.

As you can imagine, this has taken a great financial toll on the family. Danielle has been unable to work for a year due to the illness that ultimately turned out to be cancer. She can't even attempt work now due to the treatment's side effects.

John also is unable to work due to his injury, and even after surgery, it will be a few more weeks before he can put weight on his leg and return to his job.

Danielle and John have raised four great kids who all attended Wauwatosa schools, and the family is well-known in the Milwaukee-area soccer community. But you may know them as neighbors, school parents, or dog lovers - both Danielle and John are compassionate people who likely have touched your lives or shared a laugh with you over the years.

Now it is our turn to come together to support them at this incredibly difficult time. Please consider making a donation today to help the Kowalski family weather this storm.

The family is appreciative that so many have asked about providing food or meals. Unfortunately, Danielle's system is pretty touchy right now and chemo greatly affects which foods are appetizing day to day. At this time, this fundraiser is the best and most immediate way to help the family.

Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and support of Danielle and John. It is greatly appreciated.