By Claire Schlaman
For The Signal
Fourteen-year-old Dani Ward, daughter of Stacy and Devar Ward, was diagnosed with cancer in July, and her parents are seeking community support in helping with treatments. Her cancer, Sertoli-Leydig, is a rare form of ovarian cancer that has spread to her lungs.
The Wards own D.W Cookie Company in Stevenson Ranch. Danielle Sawyer, a family friend of the Ward family and regular customer of D.W Cookie Company, started a GoFundMe page in an effort to help them in any way she could.
“I just love that family so much and wanted something that I can do to help them. As a mom myself, I wanted to help somehow, and I thought the GoFundMe would be a good place to start with the family’s permission.”
Dani’s tumor has been removed, and there have not been further complications since then. She will be going through chemotherapy for the next year.
“Dani was staying strong throughout the diagnosis and treatments, which kept Stacy strong,” said Danielle.
As of Sept. 7, Dani’s blood tests have come back and shown that no more cancer is being produced in her body.
“Her spirits have been high and we still have almost a year of treatment left but things seem to be going in a positive direction,” said Dani’s father. “As long as she’s fine there really is nothing more I could ask for.”
The community has shown support for the Ward family, having raised more than $18,000 with a goal of $25,000.
To donate to the GoFundMe, visit https://gf.me/u/yr6tzx.