Milford And Beyond Mourn Death Of Danni Kemp, Who Courageously Battled Cancer

MILFORD, CT — The Milford community and far beyond is mourning the death of recent Joseph A. Foran High School graduate Danni Kemp, whose story touched people nationwide.

The news was announced on social media on the Danni Kemp Cancer Support Group Page, which read, "With a broken heart and tremendous pain. I wanted to let everyone know that Danni has passed away. She passed peacefully in her sleep early this morning surrounded by her loving family. We all are in shock and wanted every one to know that she fought to the very end, never complained and had her humor to the very end. I will keep you all informed as we make plans for Danni."

Kemp was recently selected as the Connecticut Sports Writers' Alliance Bob Casey Courage Award winner.

Kemp, a 2015 graduate of Foran in Milford, was diagnosed with a rare, inoperable brain tumor this past summer while playing softball with the Stratford Brakettes. In high school, she was diagnosed with kidney cancer, which was in remission. Kemp was a three-sport athlete at Foran and an All-State softball player in 2015. She played softball her freshman year at Stony Brook in 2016.

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Last July Kemp was hit in the head with a pitch while playing softball for the Stratford Brakettes. After testing for a concussion, doctors discovered Kemp had an inoperable brain tumor.

Kemp missed the fall semester at Stony Brook to undergo radiation treatment. She started treatments for the tumor in August at Yale-New Haven Hospital. In December, Kemp traveled to Germany for a series of treatments. Her teammates at Stony Brook dedicated the spring season to Kemp.

Kemp’s fight has caught the attention of the softball community. Two-time Olympic pitcher Jennie Finch tweeted about Kemp last year, and other athletes and schools have held fundraisers to help Kemp in her battle. On Twitter, the hashtags #DanniStrong and #DK23 have been used by teammates at Stony Brook and other America East Conference softball programs.

The local community has also reached out, raising considerable funds for the Kemp family.

At Foran from 2011-2015, Kemp was a standout for the girls softball team, playing catcher and then shortstop.

Milford native and NBC Connecticut News Anchor Heidi Voight said on Sunday, April 2, her and NBC Connecticut's Ted Koppy are co-hosting the Dash for Danni 5K at Voight's alma mater, Foran High.

"This was originally supposed to be a fundraiser to help pay for her treatments. Now it will be a memorial race in her honor. Proceeds will still support the Kemp family as they pay for her medical expenses and make arrangements for Danni's final rest," Voight said on her social media page. "If you'd like to join us to honor this bright life lost far too soon, please register online or day-of here."

Kemp played volleyball and basketball for two years but stopped playing her junior year to focus on softball.

Last spring, she played second base for Stony Brook.

Kemp was a recipient of the Fairfield County Sports Commissions Chelsea Cohen Award for her inspirational battle and strength in overcoming life-altering obstacle.

Photo: GoFundMe campaign