While we are incredibly grateful for the love and awareness it has brought, the truth is that Dani's medical journey has been going on since October 2020 — and it has been incredibly difficult. What you saw in that video was just the latest chapter in years of fighting, hospitalizations, and a family pushed to its limits.
Dani's Story
A daughter who has fought every single day
My name is Barb, and I'm writing this as a mother who is watching her daughter fight for her health every single day. Many of you may have recently seen the video of my daughter Dani experiencing serotonin syndrome in the hospital. That video unexpectedly went viral — over 12 million views — and thousands of people shared their own experiences, prayers, and support.
How It All Started
🌡️
October 2020
Dani was hospitalized with sepsis — a life-threatening infection that started from a symptomless UTI. Strong antibiotics saved her life but wiped out the good bacteria in her colon, paving the way for what came next.
💊
January 2021
Dani was hospitalized again and diagnosed with recurrent C. diff (Clostridioides difficile) — a severe, recurring colon infection directly caused by the antibiotics used to treat her sepsis.
🏥
February 2021
Dani went to Saratoga Hospital extremely sick — and was sent home without a diagnosis, dismissed and told she must "just be sick." Days later she was admitted to Glens Falls Hospital where she tested positive for C. diff again.
🔁
March – June 2021
Hospitalized again with Salmonella. Then another C. diff recurrence in May. By June, she was approved for a fecal transplant to try to end the cycle.
💔
2022
The transplant failed. Dani tested positive for C. diff again, continuing the exhausting cycle of infection, treatment, and recovery.
🩺
2023
Hospitalized again and diagnosed with ulcerative colitis — a chronic, lifelong inflammatory disease of the colon. Now managing both UC and recurring C. diff simultaneously.
⚡
Most Recently
Prescribed Seroquel for sleep. A 10-day pharmacy delay led Dani to use OTC sleep aids — their interaction with her antidepressant caused serotonin syndrome, a dangerous, life-threatening emergency. This is the moment that was captured on video and seen by millions.
Seeing my daughter in the hospital in that state was something no parent should ever have to experience. She is strong, but this journey has been exhausting — physically, emotionally, and financially.
— Barb, Dani's Mom
Where Your Donation Goes
We're raising funds to help with:
Medical Bills
Years of hospitalizations have left a significant financial burden on our family.
Ongoing Treatment
Specialist visits for ulcerative colitis, C. diff management, and recovery care.
Travel to Appointments
Repeated trips to hospitals and specialists add up quickly over months and years.
Medications & Recovery
Ongoing prescriptions and support to help Dani focus on healing.