As Dena prepares for her upcoming surgery on January 20th she’s stepping into a challenging moment for herself and her family. Not only will Dena be recovering, but this time of year is especially significant and emotional for her. The day following her surgery, November 23rd, would have been her father’s birthday—a day she had planned to honor his memory with a trip to the casino, one of his favorite outings. Dena had hoped to celebrate his life by sharing his love of scratch tickets and pork rinds, small tokens of joy that brought them closer together. Now, with her surgery and recovery period, she won’t be able to honor him in the way she had envisioned. Dena is the heartbeat of her family and an anchor of care and support to everyone around her. She has two sons, ages 15 and 4, and a loving husband who, like her, are preparing for this transition while rallying around her. It’s our chance to step up and offer them the same support Dena so often gives to others, easing the burden during her recovery. Here’s how we can help: Meals, small treats, or tokens that remind her of her father’s spirit, as well as any gestures of support for her family, would make all the difference. Let’s come together to lift some of the weight from Dena’s shoulders, helping her rest, heal, and honor her father’s memory in a way that brings comfort during this time. Thank you for being part of her support system and for showing Dena that she’s not alone—she has a community ready to carry her through to a smooth, stress-free, and speedy recovery.