Danielle Uskiwich, 28, was hit in the head by a crowd surfer at a concert earlier this month, causing a brain bleed and multiple strokes.
FLORISSANT, Mo. — A Missouri woman suffer Her family is mourning her sudden death while respecting her decision to become an organ donor.
Danielle Uskiwich, 28, initially suffered a mild headache after attending an outdoor music festival with friends earlier this month. What initially appeared to be a minor injury quickly developed into a medical emergency, according to family members.
“She went to a concert and got kicked in the head,” said her cousin Kristen Shelton. “She ended up calling her mom and saying she had a terrible headache.”
Days later, Uskivich sought treatment for worsening pain, the family said. Doctors later discovered she had bleeding on the brain and sent her to the hospital.
“She ended up having her first stroke,” Shelton said. A second stroke ensued, and doctors discovered additional hidden blood clots in her brain and emergency surgery was performed.
Despite efforts to reduce swelling and stabilize his condition, Uskivic has yet to recover.
Her parents and fiancé ultimately decided to donate her organs so others could have a second chance at life, the family said.
“Danielle’s immediate family have made the incredibly selfless decision to honor her dedication through organ donation,” relatives wrote in an online fundraiser. “This is a heartbreaking but profound moment that accurately reflects who Danielle is.”
Her family said they did not blame the concert or the crowd surfing accident, describing the incident as a “freak accident.” They also believe the injury may have led doctors to discover a more serious underlying health condition that might not have been detected in time.
“As a family, we think this is a blessing in disguise,” Shelton said. “Had she not had this injury, she wouldn’t have gone to the hospital when she had the stroke. She might have been driving or alone.”
Uskivich works in public education and is viewed by colleagues as someone who has built strong relationships with students, parents and staff.
“She had the kindest heart, a beautiful smile and a spirit that could light up any room,” her family said wrote.
The family said they are relieved to now know that Uskivich’s organ donation may help save other lives.
“I’m thinking about those people who are getting calls saying, ‘Your life is about to change because now someone is donating to you,'” Shelton said.
