On Aug. 9, 2023, Daniel Maurer died at 38 from complications of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). His sudden death left family and friends heartbroken, but his mother, Dawn Rochkes, has found strength in honoring his memory by raising awareness about OSA and the urgent need for greater access to timely care.

Dawn and her husband, Bob, have turned grief into resilience. With support from family and friends, she organized a golf tournament that raised $5,000 for the AASM Foundation. The fundraiser reflected her commitment to advancing sleep research, expanding access to treatment, and helping prevent other families from experiencing the same barriers to care that delayed her son’s treatment.

In August, Dawn and her husband delivered the donation to staff at the AASM national office.

For her, the mission is deeply personal. Danny was diagnosed with OSA in April 2023 with a home sleep apnea test, but he was unable to begin treatment until an overnight sleep study could be performed. With limited availability and due to insurance requirements, his appointment was delayed until September — just weeks after his death.

Danny’s story underscores the urgent need for timely access to care for the millions of people living with untreated OSA.

“We can’t go back and prevent the heartache we suffer every day,” Dawn said, “but we can move forward by raising awareness and helping others get the care they need.”

Danny’s life was defined by warmth, laughter, and a deep passion for connecting with others. More than 600 people attended his celebration of life, a testament to the impact he had on everyone who knew him. He also left behind words of encouragement written shortly before his death:

“Be you, be the best that you know how to be! Cry when needed; miss whoever. Laughs make it better. Ultimate passion lies in our hearts and minds. Relax again and know love is searching for you as much as we are venturing for it.”

— Daniel Maurer

These words capture the compassion, joy and authenticity that guided his life.

As Dawn continues to grieve, she is also determined to make a difference in her son’s name. Her gift to the AASM Foundation will help expand community health efforts and reinforce the importance of improving access to sleep care. It is a way of transforming loss into purpose — a legacy of hope that carries Danny’s spirit forward.