To know our sister Deanna is to love her. She is a vivacious, hardworking, beautiful person whose creative and generous spirit has touched the lives of everyone she meets. It was a shock to all of us when she recently suffered a stroke at the age of 42. Thankfully she was not impaired, but test results alerted us to a more serious underlying medical condition. We would like to share her story with you in hopes of broadening her circle of support as she faces this lifelong struggle.
Deanna was diagnosed with a rare, cerebrovascular disease called Moyamoya. This narrowing of the carotid arteries blocks blood flow to the brain resulting in anneurysms and strokes. There is no cure, but various surgeries can help open passageways, reduce neurological risk and slow the progression of the disease.
Deanna's condition at present requires a highly specialized surgeon. We are sincerely grateful Dr. Gary Steinberg of the Moyamoya Center at Stanford, in Palo Alto, California has taken her on as a patient. She is scheduled for surgery in November due to the urgent need for treatment. There are many unforeseen expenses we are anticipating and hope to alleviate that burden in some capacity to allow her to focus on healing.
As a single mother with a successful professional career, Deanna balances her life and any obstacles with strength and grace. She has always been a leader in coordinating chartitable support for friends, colleagues, families in need through walkathons, organizing teams and events, food and toy drives and other countless acts of compassion and generosity. We are humbly asking that some of that support be returned to her in her time of need.
On behalf of Deanna and her 8 year old son Dante, we would like to express sincere appreciation for the outpouring of prayers and kindness. Together, with her permission, we welcome you to join this Caring Bridge site to follow updates on her progress and encourage her throughout her journey. Donations can be submitted through the provided Go Fund Me link found under 'Ways to Help', contact us via Facebook Messenger or email Donate4Deanna@gmail.com or mspallino3@gmail.com.
We thank you in advance for extending your support in whatever capacity as we face this challenge as a family united in faith and optimism.
Her Loving Sisters, Maritza Spallino and Alyssa McNally
CaringBridge is a nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey. Learn more about CaringBridge.
