June is Cancer Survivors Month - a time to honor the strength and stories of those who’ve faced cancer head-on.
Meet Danielle: a mom, physical therapist, and survivor. When cancer hit, it brought life to a full stop—and gave her a whole new perspective.
Keep reading to hear how she found peace in uncertainty, leaned on her faith, and learned to let go in order to heal.
What Was Life Like Before Your Diagnosis—and How Did Everything Shift?
Busy. Overwhelming. That’s the best way I can describe life before my diagnosis.
I wore all the hats—mom of three young kids, wife, full-time physical therapist newly back to work after a 3-year break, chauffeur to sports and school, chef, house manager, maid, and more. I was doing everything… until I physically couldn’t.
Cancer forced a full stop.
I had to ask for help. I had to let go of control. I had to prioritize rest and healing over hustle, proving, and perfection. Everything shifted—especially my perspective.
And truthfully, I’m grateful for it.
What Was One of the Most Difficult Early Decisions You Had to Make, and How Did You Get Through It?
One of the hardest decisions I had to make early on was choosing my treatment path.
Do I stay local or go to a major cancer center?
Should I follow a traditional path or explore integrative options?
And how do I tell my kids?
It was all so overwhelming. I desperately wanted to make the right choice, but fear was loud.
So I prayed. A lot.
And God, in His kindness, sent me a beautiful friend—someone who had walked this path and was 10 years cancer-free. She became a lifeline. She helped me sort through the research without spiraling into rabbit holes of fear and worst-case scenarios.
I didn’t have to do it alone. That made all the difference.
Who or What Brought You the Most Comfort in Those Early Days of Uncertainty?
My faith in God brought me the most comfort in those early, uncertain days. When everything around me felt like it was shifting, He gave me grace for each day, strength I didn’t even know I had, and a peace that didn’t make sense by the world’s standards.
Peace didn’t come from having all the answers. It came from His presence.
What’s One Message You Would Send to Your Newly Diagnosed Self—or Someone Facing Their First Day Post-Diagnosis?
If I could sit beside someone newly diagnosed—or speak to myself on that first day—this is what I’d say:
Take it one day at a time.
Don’t look too far ahead. Don’t fall down the rabbit holes.
Once you’ve made your treatment decisions, block out the noise. Everyone will have an opinion, but only you know what’s best for you.
Stay positive. Stay hopeful. Stay grounded.
You are stronger than you feel right now—and grace will meet you every step of the way.
Follow Danielle on Instagram to learn more about her journey.
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