Who We Serve
Danny Fund Kids Through the Years
We are a non-denominational organization that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, sex or gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or political affiliation.
Danny Fund Kids come from all walks of life. They can be as young as day-old infants or be close to reaching adulthood. They can come from any cultural, ethnic or linguistic background.
Read more about some of our Danny Fund Kids below.
In January 2024, at age 10, Aaron Jr. was diagnosed with osteosarcoma after a mass was discovered in his left upper arm. He underwent extensive chemotherapy, radiation, multiple surgeries, and ongoing physical and occupational therapy. Despite these challenges, Aaron maintained outstanding grades, earned induction into the National Junior Honor Society, and continues to persevere with determination and resilience. The diagnosis deeply impacted our family, bringing countless hospital visits, financial hardship, and major life transitions for our children. In March 2025, the Danny Fund stepped in to support us during one of our most difficult seasons. Their generosity helped ease many burdens and brought hope to our family. Today, Aaron is almost 13, back in school, thriving academically, and moving forward with strength. We are forever grateful to the Danny Fund for their kindness and support.
Born in May 2016, Carina was diagnosed with the rare disease HLH (Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis) and underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant in May 2018 after a donor match was found. Her transplant journey has brought many challenges and significant changes for her family over the past several years. Now a fourth-grade student, Carina receives academic support while continuing to manage ongoing health complications that require daily medications and regular visits with multiple specialists. Despite these challenges, she remains a brave, loving, and resilient young girl whose positive spirit shines brightly and inspires everyone she meets.
In March 2023, at just 2½ years old, Lucas was diagnosed with High-Risk Neuroblastoma after his family noticed unexplained bruising around his eye. He immediately began an intensive treatment journey that included chemotherapy, surgery to remove the tumor and his left adrenal gland, two stem cell transplants, radiation, and immunotherapy. Thanks to his medical team, his kidney was successfully preserved during surgery. Today, Lucas is a happy, strong 5-year-old who continues to inspire everyone around him with his courage and resilience. He wears hearing aids as a result of treatment, which a classmate once told him make him look like a superhero. As he approaches three years since diagnosis, Lucas continues regular clinic visits and is thriving thanks to the support of his family, medical team, and the Danny Fund. His family remains deeply grateful for the care, kindness, and encouragement that have helped them through this journey.
In November 2023, Jacob was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) after developing severe symptoms that led to emergency testing and treatment. He immediately began an intensive treatment plan that included blood transfusions, chemotherapy, a bone marrow aspiration, and a 28-day hospital stay. Over the past year, Jacob has faced many challenges, including infections, anemia, nosebleeds, hair loss, and missed time from school. Despite ongoing treatment and daily medications, he continues to show remarkable resilience and positivity. Today, Jacob is progressing well through his treatment plan, doing well in school, completing his homework, and enjoying time with his friends. His strength, optimism, and joyful spirit continue to inspire everyone around him.
Cassidy was diagnosed with stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma. She endured months of aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Her current scans show no evidence of disease. "We are truly blessed and grateful to The Danny Fund for being such a phenomenal support system to us during the most difficult time of our lives. Your support and generosity gave us the peace of mind that we needed so that we could focus on Cassidy's health."
Bobby was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in 2018 and faced 10 months of intense treatment. He finished his last round of chemotherapy in August of 2019. "The Danny Fund helped tremendously with expenses during this difficult time. There is no doubt that the support we received from The Danny Fund played a huge role in Bobby's outcome, and for that we are forever grateful."
Aiden was diagnosed with leukemia in 2016 and endured numerous rounds of chemotherapy. After a long three years, two months, and 20 days and right before his 6th birthday, Aiden finished his last treatment. He is now in maintenance and doing well. "For everyone who works or volunteers with The Danny Fund -- thank you. Thank you for making the lives of children with cancer and their siblings better."
When Marina was not quite two she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Following a bone marrow transplant from her twin brother Chad, Marina spent almost a whole year in the hospital and during that time her family nearly fell apart. Her siblings were having a hard time understanding the dramatic changes to their daily routine. Her parents were struggling to be there for all of their children but with Marina being so critically ill it was hard to not focus on her needs first. In the midst of it all The Danny Fund was there to help alleviate some of the burden. For now, Marina is once again in remission.
“I want to be an angel.” This was the response Maureen Borsella got from her 8-year-old daughter Julianne when she asked what she wanted to be a few days before Halloween. Less than two weeks later, Julianne passed away after a year long battle with Ewings Sarcoma. The family had been through lengthy hospital stays, blood transfusions, aggressive chemotherapy, doctor appointments, and was a family in crisis not just financially but emotionally as well. The Danny Fund helped with finances but also worked tirelessly to show their friendship and support, including sending the family on a much needed trip to fulfill Julianne’s wish to go to Florida. It’s a gift the Borsellas never forgot. After Julianne’s passing, Maureen joined the board of The Danny Fund determined to help other families whose lives have been turned upside down just like hers.
Sophia was born with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome, Pulmonary Atresia w/intact ventricular septum, Tricuspid Atresia, and Right ventricular dependent coronary circulation with coronary artery stenosis and severe sinusoidal connections – scary words which required even scarier treatment. Sophia underwent the first of three scheduled surgeries at just one week old and her second at 4-1/2 months. Despite complications, Sophia made it through both surgeries and is growing up beautifully. Since birth, the Danny Fund was there to assist with co-pays, provide money for groceries and even gift cards for both Sophia and her older sister at Christmas. Having The Danny Fund in their corner made a difficult time just a little more bearable.
“We were a family in crisis mode, running in a million different directions and never sure where to turn next. The Danny Fund became our extended family, helping not only with the financial burden brought on by Julianne’s illness, but also offering a network of emotional support to help us get from one day to the next. We will be forever grateful.”
— Maureen, Julianne’s Mom
Accepting New Families
Referrals of families to The Danny Fund can come from a variety of sources: hospitals, family friends, or other nonprofit organizations. If you know of a family that might benefit from the Danny Fund’s support, please contact us.
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