Donna is a lifelong Minnesotan with a remarkable story of resilience, hard work, love, and perseverance. Born and raised in St. Paul, she attended Central High School and was brought up by her single mother, who was not only her parent but her best friend. At twenty-two, Donna married and began raising a family. Determined to provide the best possible life for her children, especially as they faced learning disabilities, she worked tirelessly to save money and move them into a school district that could support them well. At one point, Donna worked three jobs simultaneously: answering phones at the courthouse during the day, waitressing downtown at a bar in the evenings, and working at a bowling alley for league nights. On weekends, she often picked up additional shifts at a neighborhood bar.

Her life has included some challenges, including a difficult first marriage, a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, and a car accident that resulted in a broken back. Despite these hardships, Donna found lasting love with her second husband, Billy. The two married in 1995 and spent twenty wonderful years together. They traveled throughout MN for Billy’s work, and they eventually moved to NY to be closer to Billy’s family. Donna fondly remembers being able to see the mist from Niagara Falls from her window.

When Billy’s mother passed away and Donna’s own mother became ill, the couple returned to Minnesota to be closer to family. Billy was the love of Donna’s life, and his death in 2014 left a tremendous void in her life. Yet another profound loss came when her mother passed away. Donna and her mother had spoken every day at 9:00 in the morning, and their bond was immeasurable.

Today, Donna lives with the effects of MS, which has taken away much of her mobility. She uses a power chair and can only walk very short distances. While she remains independent in many ways and can transfer herself, many of the hobbies she once loved have become difficult. Donna used to enjoy crocheting and cross-stitching, but her hands no longer cooperate the way they once did. She spends much of her time watching television and managing the challenges that come with limited mobility.

Yet through everything, Donna’s love for people has never faded. She enjoys hearing about other people’s lives and genuinely values human connection. Donna is seeking companionship because she misses having meaningful conversations and shared experiences. She believes a good friend is someone who accepts both the good times and the bad, celebrates life’s joys, offers support during difficult moments, and creates memories together. Donna avoids political debates, preferring to focus on the things that bring people together rather than divide them. She has a lifetime of stories to tell, a warm heart, and a genuine interest in getting to know others.