Danville Dad's Plea for Ill Veteran Daughter Leads to VA Coverage

Sylvester Craft's social media video about his daughter Savali's medical crisis went viral, prompting VA to approve $73,000 transport to Stanford hospital.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Sylvester Craft, a Danville, Virginia father, posted a desperate social media plea to save his critically ill daughter Savali, an Air Force veteran. Savali, a mother of two, was on life support in Las Vegas due to heart failure. Doctors said she needed to be transferred to Stanford University's hospital to survive, but the VA initially refused to cover the $73,000 transportation bill. Craft's viral video caught the attention of Virginia Rep. John McGuire, who contacted VA leadership directly. After McGuire's intervention, the VA agreed to pay the entire transport cost, and Savali was awaiting transfer to Stanford.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges some veterans face in accessing timely and comprehensive medical care through the VA system, as well as the power of social media to draw attention to individual cases and prompt action from government officials. It also underscores the emotional toll on families when a loved one is critically ill and facing barriers to receiving the necessary treatment.

The details

Savali Craft, a 5-year Air Force veteran and mother of two, was on life support in Las Vegas due to heart failure. Her condition had worsened about a week earlier, and doctors said she needed to be transferred to Stanford University's hospital to survive. However, the VA initially refused to cover the $73,000 transportation bill. Sylvester Craft, Savali's father, posted a desperate plea on social media asking for help, which went viral. This prompted Virginia Rep. John McGuire to directly contact VA leadership, who then agreed to pay the full transport cost so Savali could be transferred to Stanford.

  • About a month ago, Savali contacted her local VA office after learning she had thyroid issues and an enlarged heart.
  • About a week ago, Savali's condition worsened and she was taken to the hospital, where her heart went into failure.
  • On Sunday, Sylvester Craft posted the viral Facebook video pleading for help to save his daughter's life.

The players

Savali Craft

A mother of two and a 5-year Air Force veteran who is currently on life support in Las Vegas due to heart failure.

Sylvester Craft

Savali's father, who posted a desperate social media plea to save his critically ill daughter's life.

Rep. John McGuire

A Virginia congressman who contacted VA leadership directly after seeing Sylvester Craft's viral video, leading to the VA agreeing to cover the $73,000 transport cost.

Doug Collins

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, who was contacted by Rep. McGuire to ensure Savali Craft's transport to Stanford hospital would be covered.

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What they’re saying

“She's an Air Force veteran of 5 years, she's lying here with heart failure fighting for her life, giving everything she got.”

— Sylvester Craft, Savali Craft's father (Facebook)

“I actually personally called the Secretary of Veteran Affairs, Doug Collins, and I've been on the phone with him four or five times trying to make sure, and what I got is a guarantee that the VA is going to pay for everything. That this veteran, his daughter, her name is Savali Craft, make sure she gets transported to the right hospital.”

— Rep. John McGuire, Virginia Congressman (WSET)

What’s next

Savali Craft is awaiting transport to Stanford University's hospital, where doctors have said she needs to be treated in order to survive.

The takeaway

This case underscores the challenges some veterans face in accessing timely and comprehensive medical care through the VA system, and the importance of public advocacy and government intervention to ensure veterans receive the care they need. It also highlights the emotional toll on families when a loved one is critically ill.