Brewing Hope Benefit to Support Paramedic Danielle
A Sunday fundraiser at Dead Low Brewing will support paramedic Danielle Vonder Meulen, who was recently diagnosed with aggressive blood cancer.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Philanthropy
First responders are hosting "Brewing Hope for Danielle" on Sunday, Nov. 8, from noon to 4 p.m. at Dead Low Brewing on Kellogg Avenue in Cincinnati to support paramedic Danielle Vonder Meulen, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of blood cancer about two months ago.
Why it matters
Medical expenses are mounting for Vonder Meulen, and time away from work adds to her financial strain as she prepares for treatment. The benefit is organized by the SITREP Foundation, Dead Low Brewing and Cincinnati Helicopters.
The fundraiser runs for four hours, from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, about two months after Vonder Meulen was diagnosed. Organizers have not disclosed a fundraising goal or amount raised so far.
The players
SITREP Foundation
A charitable organization co-hosting the benefit to support Vonder Meulen.
Dead Low Brewing
A Cincinnati brewery on Kellogg Avenue hosting the fundraiser at its location.
Cincinnati Helicopters
A local organization co-hosting the Brewing Hope for Danielle benefit.
The details
Vonder Meulen works part-time for Williamsburg Township Emergency Services and the Stonelick Township Fire Department, and has stepped away from some firefighter and paramedic duties, moving to a paramedic-only position. Persistent headaches led her to specialist care last year, and further testing revealed the cancer. She is scheduled to begin chemotherapy in January before a stem cell transplant.
Timeline
Last year: Vonder Meulen sought specialist care for persistent headaches.
About two months before the event: She was diagnosed with aggressive blood cancer.
January: Scheduled start of chemotherapy.
Sunday, Nov. 8, noon to 4 p.m.: Brewing Hope for Danielle fundraiser at Dead Low Brewing.
Season Trajectory
Benefits of this kind, organized by fellow first responders and local businesses, have become a common way emergency workers support colleagues through prolonged treatment. This event follows that pattern as Vonder Meulen prepares for a lengthy recovery.
Readers who want to help can attend the Sunday benefit at Dead Low Brewing from noon to 4 p.m. Attending in person is a direct way to contribute to Vonder Meulen's medical and household costs during treatment.
The takeaway
Local fundraisers like this one show how colleagues and community groups step in when a first responder's treatment cuts into work and income. Showing up in person is one practical way to help.
What happens next
Chemotherapy is scheduled to begin in January, followed by a stem cell transplant and at least six months of recovery.
Further reading
Find more local giving stories in Cincinnati Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLWT5.
