Danielle Kirrane, of Ronkonkoma, lived life at a higher frequency than most. She was spontaneous, adventurous, and bold. She met the phrase “move mountains” head on, and often challenged it for something greater. And while she was rather fierce, it showed in the best of ways, especially through the love she had for her family – most importantly her now 8-year-old daughter, Anna.
In 2017, Danielle, at 35 years young, started experiencing strange symptoms. To the outside world, she had a sudden onset of a minor limp, but to her, and her husband Tom, they knew they were fighting something greater. Throughout the next three and a half years, the couple left no stone unturned as her physical condition continued to deteriorate. From countless doctors, medications, and remedies, nothing stopped the progression, and many doctors came to the same conclusion – ALS.
Still, Danielle continued to fight, and never accepted the death sentence she was receiving. Every passing day, Danielle fought like a lion, arguing her atypical symptoms, and building a case, with the help of other medical professionals, that she can beat what was happening.
On February 23, 2021, during stem cell trials, Danielle passed away at 38 years old – Anna was 6 at the time.
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that results in the progressive loss of motor neurons that control voluntary muscles, as defined by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Early symptoms include muscle weakness and twitches. The disease progresses to effect speaking, chewing, walking, and moving. Most of its victims pass from respiratory failure. There is no cure, and patients generally live 3-5 years after being diagnosed.
A few months after Danielle’s passing, Tom knew that her purpose had not ended. He knew that Danielle’s story of remarkable strength must go on. Tom decided to “give back through life changing experiences,” and founded The Danielle Kirrane Foundation. Its mission: “to assist those suffering from impossible causes to live like a lion and fight another day,” as stated on their website. One-hundred percent of the proceeds go to its cause.
“My goal is to encourage those living with ALS or other life-threatening illnesses to keep at it, to push forward and to fight for another day,” said Tom Kirrane. “Danielle fought. She stayed positive and anyone that met her has been changed by her outlook on life and her determination. That’s my goal. To kind of assist those who are suffering along with their families and help them fight like she did.”
On September 22, 2021, the first annual Danielle Kirrane Golf Outing was held. Not only did the foundation become one of the top donors in New York State for ALS as a result, but money was also raised to assist two families of first responders who’s loved ones are suffering from an impossible cause.
This year, the Second Annual Danielle Kirrane Golf Outing will be held on Wednesday, September 21 at the Dyker Beach Golf Course in Brooklyn, NY. Lunch is open to all at $85 per person. There will be plenty of raffles, prizes, and an open bar. For those of you who would like to support the cause from afar, a 50/50 is being circulated for only $10 – absolutely no give backs, and the winner does not have to be present to collect.
For donation information, you may contact daniellekirranefoundation.com. Information about the foundation can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.
