Fundraiser Set for Brave Girl, 16, In Fight Against Cancer

Fight and win: Danni is fighting for her life, but has a heroic spirit that could inspire people everywhere and lead them back to health.

Danni playing baseball in a happier day.

A cancer diagnosis is a bad thing, no matter what, but it takes on an extra sting when the patient is a child. That shock was visited upon the Perini family when 16-year-old Danni was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.

In February, Danni, a junior at Niagara Falls High School, took a tumble down the stairs when her femur just snapped. After an ambulance ride, hospital stay, the insertion of three pins into her leg and subsequent physical therapy, Danni thought she was on the road to recovery. In fact, her journey was just beginning.

Upon getting an x-ray in June, a cyst was discovered within her femur. Since then, the family has been coping with the upsetting news. “Within about two weeks, she was already admitted into Roswell…by July 5th, she had already started her chemo and it’s been crazy since then. It’s just so shocking, you never expect it,” says Lisa Perini, Danni’s mother.

“Most kids her age are worrying about their driver’s permit, getting their license and a car, and getting a job. My daughter is fighting for her life.”

Lisa says, “Danni and I spend anywhere from 4 to 6 days in the hospital every time she has a treatment. We’ve been going in almost every week. It’s been absolutely insane, driving back and forth, sometimes three times a day from Roswell to home to let out dogs and take care of things back here. It’s been really hectic.”
Gasoline, tolls and being away at the hospital has naturally brought a financial strain as well. “It’s been quite a shock to the budget,” Lisa notes. To alleviate some of the pressure, friends approached them about having a fundraiser. Dan Perini, Danni’s father, is a Niagara Falls police officer. He works with Sal Paonessa, another officer and internet radio host on the Niagara Broadcast Network (www.nbn7900.com).

Paonessa thought it would be good to use the Network to bring some attention to Danni’s plight. He also plans to chronicle Danni’s journey on Facebook and on the Network. He cannot help but be impressed by Danni. “She’s determined she’s gonna fight it. She’s young, she’s got the attitude, and she’s got the courage to do that. We’re hoping the best for her.”

With the help of the Niagara Street Business Association, Paonessa made contact with Rich Murajda of Rich Promo Enterprises. Murajda then secured four bands to play at the fundraiser, all of them donating their time. “It’s unheard of to have four bands at a benefit,” Murajda claims.

The fundraiser will include food and drink, a Chinese basket auction, 50/50 split, a raffle of big ticket items donated by businesses and friends, such as a 50-inch RCA home theatre system, and a $500 gift certificate from the restaurant Bravo in the Galleria Mall. “It’s really nice the way the community just came together. You don’t realize how many good people there are in this world until something like this happens. You kind of lose faith in people around you until something like this and the way they pull together; it’s just amazing,” says Lisa.

Aside from being a little down from losing her hair due to the chemo, Danni has taken the diagnosis in stride. “This girl is amazing,” Lisa says of Danni.

“Everyone asks me how I’m doing, and I’m like, I’m fine with it. It’s not gonna beat me,” says Danni.

The community’s reaction has surprised her, particularly with donations. “These people have donated a shopping spree in New York City; that is ridiculous. They don’t even know me. It’s crazy how nice people are. You don’t know how nice they are until something like this happens.”

Her classmates have also been very supportive. “I was at school for the first day and everyone was saying ‘hi’ to me. It’s like I became a celebrity overnight.” Danni is also looking forward to the fundraiser. “I can’t wait to see everybody. People who donated the big things like the TV; you’ve got to thank them. I can’t wait.” Not surprising, even Danni’s friends are choosing the fundraiser over a school dance.

Four bands will be playing throughout the day at the fundraiser, which starts at 2 in the afternoon and will last “until the last person goes home,” vows Lisa. The family chose a classic rock theme and the bands reflect that plan. Kathy Lynn and the Playboys, a nationally recorded group originated in 1963; Kick the Jukebox, a band focused on the 60’s British invasion; the Flat Tops, who play high-energy oldies rock ‘n roll; and the Diva Show Band, who cover music from the 40’s to today.

The fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Niagara Active Hose Volunteer Fire Company, 6010 Lockport Road, Niagara Falls (Town of Niagara) starting at 2 p.m.. The cost is $20 a ticket.

Donations can be sent to: Danni M. Perini Benefit Trust, P.O. Box 1104, Niagara Falls, New York 14304.