[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 18, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING DANIELLE McCARTHY AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA 
                       FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 18, 2025

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in 2016, a neurosurgeon removed an invasive 
meningioma--an aggressive, grapefruit-sized tumor--from Danielle 
McCarthy's brain. The tumor, lovingly named Loretta, formed on her 
brain's temporal lobe, and she was told she would never walk or speak 
again. However, her post-surgery condition was deemed a miracle by her 
doctors, and she began her slow recovery. Danielle would endure 
multiple major surgeries unrelated to her tumor over the next six 
years. During the height of COVID-19, destiny struck. Joey Perfito, her 
best friend and instrumental in Danielle's recovery, helped adopt a 
rescue puppy, already named Loretta. With the support of Joey and her 
strong-willed puppy, now named Loretta Josephine, Danielle relearned 
how to live and adapt to her new life. Together, they turned Danielle's 
hardships into triumphs. Danielle was determined to give back to those 
who saved her life: neuroscience and pet adoption. One thing Danielle 
remembered from her old life was fashion. Danielle and Joey created 
Loretta Josephine Boutique, an online shopping experience for women 
that gives back to the community. Through the boutique, Danielle 
donates her time to support those with brain trauma and pet rescue.
  Both animal and health initiatives drive their vision daily as they 
continue to uplift and inspire others through community engagement. 
This prompted Danielle and Joey to start a nonprofit called Brain 
Warriors Foundation of America. The duo's budding nonprofit focuses on 
fundraising to further neuroscience research and give financial support 
to caregivers and patients suffering brain-related injuries. Danielle 
recognizes she's on borrowed time. She's grateful to be a voice for 
those who have lost their own battle and those who are currently 
struggling during their recovery. They encourage all to join Team 
Loretta Josephine Boutique as they continue to make a difference in 
Central Florida--the place they call home.

                          ____________________