Dani’s Dreams was founded by Elise “Leesie” Ortiz following the sudden death of her best friend Dani, who was killed by an intoxicated driver. The name carries a double meaning since Dani had literal dreams of her own hours before it all happened, as well as a lifelong aspiration to give back to others.
After writing her memoir What Would I Do Without You?, Leesie wanted to share the peace Dani carried throughout her life that most people spend their whole lives searching for. She built this organization to extend that same peace to others, because Dani deserved to be remembered, and because somewhere out there, someone else is carrying the same grief she did.
Through partnerships and volunteering with local grief organizations and faith communities, Dani’s Dreams brings hope to those navigating loss and raises awareness of the devastating impact of impaired driving, one story and one community at a time.
