Dan, the father of two boys, Ben and Matt and his wife Nancy are long term community members of the Draper and South Jordan Utah area. As a family and as individuals they have been deeply involved with church and school activities at the Skaggs Catholic Center. Dan is a long time 4th degree Knight of Columbus, serving as former District Deputy. For years he has help to organize and volunteer for many knight sponsored events including promotion of youth sports such as basketball and soccer, Blue Masses in recognition of first responders , and fundraisers for charity such as past Festival of Roses events and the Lenten Fish Fry. Nancy is frequently spotted at events and often taking the lead for activities like the St. John’s Women’s Group, Salt Lake Deanery, Boy Scouts and other local and diocesan wide event. Her hospitality offered to others is always gracious and enthusiastic.

I recently asked my brother, Dan concerning his failing health: What is it your heart cares most about right now– what is important to you? In his usual modest way, Dan offered, “I want to see my boys grow up and what they make of their lives… I want my family to not be so burdened by my illness…I would also like to make a trip back to the cabin again.” The family cabin is a peaceful place of respite. In recent times, it has become inaccessible due to the sorrow of fire and flood; reachable only by a number of miles on foot or horse.

Dan mentions ordinary activitites like reading a thrilling book, planning camping adventure, attending mass as a family, an engaging workday spent seeking computer programing solutions or talking with hope for the future. Living with chronic disease forces one to acknowledge your limits. With a transplant, Dan can look forward to a time of restored energy and more get-up-and-go each day.

After many years of raising their boys, providing loving care for Carol (grandma) and generously supporting and helping others, Dan is now the one who needs our support.

Transplants are life saving but financially draining. Even with insurance the family is already facing additional expenses with copays for doctor appointments, blood transfusions, medication and future care after hospitalization. To help with the financial burden of Dan’s uninsured expenses, a fund-raising campaign in his honor has been established. Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization has been providing community based fundraising to patients and families for over 30 years. Help Hope Live will directly administer funds to cover medical and liver transplant related expenses. Please consider a contribution. Dan, his family and I want to thank you for your prayers, support and generosity. Please know that your contributions make a big difference.

Gratefully,
Patty Cresalia, Dan’s sister