This is Brentt Eads of Line Drive Softball…

Two weeks ago, we posted an article detailing the scary medical crisis facing long-time club coach Dana Fusettie, who has been a longtime figure in fastpitch softball both as a player college and club coach.

Dana has helped hundreds of softball players transition into the collegiate level, helping athletes get to schools in conferences including the SEC, ACC and Big Ten among others but now she’s facing the biggest battle of her life.

She has been diagnosed with Congenital Periodontal Disease, a potential life-threatening illness that led to her brother having open-heart surgery.

Dana was given a cryptic diagnosis by her own doctor who told her:

“If you keep do this your way you won’t be around to see your kids get married let alone graduate.”

Her Carolina Elite Assistant Coach, Ebony Waters started a GoFundMe to help her head coach in four ways:

• Life-saving surgery not fully covered by insurance
• Travel, lodging, and related medical expenses
• Post-surgery medications and therapies
• Essential living costs while she is unable to work

With the bulk of the fastpitch softball attention over the last two weeks going to club softball events like Alliance and PGF Nationals, I felt Dana’s cause was somewhat overshadowed and wanted to republish here to help “one of our own” face her uncertain medical journey assured that she had the support of those in this sport we love so much.

Again, CLICK HERE to go to Dana’s GoFundMe and make a contribution!

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide and here, in Dana’s own words, are her thoughts on this terrible ordeal she’s facing…

*****

I’m definitely in unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory right now.

If you know me, you know I’d give the shirt off my back without hesitation, drop anything to help someone else, and do it all over again without expecting anything in return. Serving others truly feels like my purpose — seeing others happy brings me the greatest joy.

Recently, I’ve been pushed into a place that feels completely foreign to me: asking for help.

Thanks to my Assistant Coach and dear friend, Ebony Waters, I’ve had no choice but to face something I’ve kept hidden for a long time. It’s been humbling, scary, and honestly — embarrassing.

But it’s also necessary… so here’s the truth.

Over two years ago, I was diagnosed with hereditary periodontal gingivitis, a disease that runs in my family. I saw three specialists who warned me about how serious it could become, but I ignored the severity.

I thought that with good oral hygiene—aside from my bad habit of drinking Mountain Dew and taking my “Vitamin N” for my nerves—I could manage it.

Unfortunately, everything they warned me about is now happening. I haven’t had a pain-free day in over six months. Some days are unbearable, but I’ve tried to keep going because of my passion for helping athletes and shaping their futures.

Ebony has seen it all firsthand this summer: the pain, the sleepless nights, the tears behind closed doors (which explains a few of those late-night texts y’all have gotten).

The reality is, I need surgery.

What I’ve learned is this: the infection from my ALL my teeth is poisoning my body and causing damage to the bone in my jaw. Every single tooth must be removed.

I’ll also need bone grafts to even attempt implants — and even then, it may not be possible in all areas. The scariest part? This can lead to heart disease or sepsis if I don’t act soon. 

And so—for the first time in my life—I’m admitting I’m scared. Scared about what this means for my health. Scared about how much longer I can do the work I love. Scared about not being there for the young athletes who count on me.

Ebony Waters has created a GoFundMe to help cover the surgery, and Brentt Eads of Line Drive Media has generously begun promoting it as well.

I’m not great at receiving help — but I’m learning that sometimes letting others show up for you is part of the journey, too.

I’m hoping to have this surgery in late November so I can be back on the field by spring, doing what I love.

If you’re able to contribute — even just a dollar — please know it’s not about the money… it’s more about the reminder that the years I’ve spent giving to others made an impact.

And that reminder means more to me than you’ll ever know. 

The financial strain that this is putting on me is unbearable due to my insurance covering so little of it.  I would love nothing more than to have a day pain-free and continue doing what I do for as long as possible.

With gratitude,

Dana Fusetti