10 Things You Might Not Know About Danielle
Danielle is at the heart of everything we do at the Danielle Foundation. While many people know her migraine story, it does not capture her kindness, humor, and personality. Here are ten fun and unexpected facts you might not know about the girl who continues to inspire our work every day.
1. She loved dogs, especially the ones who needed extra care.
Danielle adored her Labrador Retrievers, Sandy, Ace, and Homer. When Ace came to her after experiencing neglect and trauma, Danielle patiently nursed him back to health until he became “a real dog” again.
2. She had seen every episode of The Simpsons.
Every. Single. One. Danielle’s favorite character was Bart, and her dog Homer was, of course, named after Homer Simpson. If The Simpsons were on, chances were Danielle was watching and quoting it.
3. She was a devoted TV and movie lover with eclectic taste.
Danielle loved TV and movies of all kinds, from The X-Files to Melrose Place. She happily watched “stupid” comedies like Tommy Boy and could just as easily quote action classics like Die Hard and Lethal Weapon.
4. She had a major crush on David Duchovny.
In particular, X-Files era David Duchovny. She will probably be mad that I revealed this.
5. She was a die-hard Utah Jazz fan.
Danielle’s love for the Jazz ran deep, especially for John Stockton. She was a devoted fan during their prime, and we often painted our faces and hair in Jazz colors. Danielle and her good friend, Jesse, wrote a poem about Stockton that they said before every game.
6. She was genuinely funny.
Danielle had an amazing, wry, sarcastic sense of humor. I was often her favorite target, though no one, including our parents, was ever truly safe. Her timing was perfect, her delivery was sharp, and her laughter was contagious.
7. She loved bird hunting.
Danielle spent many hunting trips with her dad, cousin Patrick, and her dogs. The outdoors was often a welcome respite from her pain and the source of many wonderful memories.
8. Dessert was never optional.
Danielle lived by the motto “Eat dessert first.” She loved all candy, but pie was her true favorite. On her birthday, she famously requested pie instead of cake, just like her dad.
9. She was athletic and competitive.
From playground football and pool tournaments to varsity tennis and softball, Danielle loved playing and competing. She brought energy, determination, and natural athleticism to everything she did.
10. She loved reptiles and amphibians—especially her frogs.
Danielle had five tree frogs. Every single one was named “Gus.” Gus #5 was the biggest and gained a bit of notoriety for eating some of the smaller frogs at the pet store.
Danielle’s humor, passions, and kindness continue to inspire everything we do. These small glimpses into her life remind us why her story matters and why her legacy lives on through the Danielle Foundation.
