Clearly from reading all these posts, Danny was loved and respected. I feel lucky to have known Danny, and much that transpired between us, changed me profoundly. My world is diminished by his absence from it. I have been waiting for several days to post, thinking of what I can say that would do justice to the man that Danny was... but I think that all of you have used the words and sentiments that reflect my own. Oddly, while thoughts of Danny's family are on my mind, and I have spent a great deal of time replaying my conversations with him in my head, my thoughts are mostly of myself. I know that sounds selfish, but the pain of losing someone that I have grown to care about so strongly, dominates my senses. It is the worst part of being constantly involved with this disease on a daily basis through OCF.

Certainly people's battles and recurrences weigh on all of us, as it is far too easy to see ourselves in their place. Anyone who has read my posts on the board knows that I stay to the science pretty much, and leave much of the emotional handholding to those who do it much better than I. I know today why I take that position, it is defensive. But Danny was not the kind of person that you could emotionally keep at arm's length. His honesty and candor, coupled with his genuine good nature worked its way into you. He was always about others; he was always about helping OCF in its events, and in trying to help us raise money to stay alive. In all the conversations I had with him, he seldom spoke of his own situation, or needs. He certainly was a gentle, caring human being whose easygoing manner and inner strength set an example that I can only aspire to. I will miss him greatly.