Denyse is the founder of a nonprofit organization called Not My Daughter... Find A Cure Now! She has lived here locally in Parkland for the past 25 years and is rooted in community. In today’s article, Denyse opens up about her journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer and life after overcoming it.
Ten years ago, Denyse felt a lump on her upper rib cage. This is not a typical place for a breast lump. She quickly learned 5% of breast tissue can fade below breasts and under armpits. Feeling alarmed, she scheduled an appointment with her doctor to get examined and see what it might be. After receiving her test results, they confirmed that she had an extremely aggressive form of breast cancer..
At the time, she was only 40 years old when she received the shocking news. She had three children under the age of 10, who gave her the extraordinary drive to focus purely on her recovery. Denyse was one of the lucky oness because she had access to great health care and excellent physicians. Since she was diagnosed early during stage one, there were high hopes of it being cured and having a full recovery. Other foundational parts of her recovery were having great health insurance, a strong family unit, and a vast group of friends who would support her through every step of the process.
After Denye’s treatment was finished, she gathered with a group of friends to see how they can give back to the community. They all agreed they wanted to start a nonprofit organization and would include their children throughout the process to have a positive impact on future generations. This paved the way for a grass roots breast cancer charity called Not My Daughter...Find a Cure Now! This nonprofit organization, formed in 2010, focuses their fundraising efforts on raising money for research and ancillary services for patients and survivors. To this date, nearly a million dollars has been donated to research development and services.
The first Patient Services Center, where a vast array of support can be received at no charge, will be opening this October at The University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Plantation, Florida. The committee has grown to over 40 people. Part of what makes it such an incredible organization is the focus on impacting future generations. The local teens are encouraged to volunteer with Not My Daughter...Find a Cure Now! They assist with events in order to earn volunteer hours. While accumulating thousands of volunteer service hours, these young people are also learning about the importance of philanthropy, becoming more aware of breast cancer, and how to help.
Their flagship event is the 10th Annual Shopping Boutique and Luncheon. Can you believe it’s been a decade already? It is on October 28th at the Coral Springs Marriott. Not My Daughter… Find a Cure Now! is hoping for another sellout of over 600 women. You can enjoy a morning of shopping for boutique items such as clothing and jewelry from over 40 vendors. Raffle and auction items will be given away throughout the event. In the afternoon, you will experience a fantastic luncheon. Tickets are on sale until October 21st, but may be sold out before then. All of the proceeds support the mission of Not My Daughter… Find a Cure Now! to raise funds or continued research and to provide services for those who would not be able to afford it.
Thank you, Denyse, for sharing your story about how you created something beautiful out of a life-changing experience. You were not only resilient through your recovery, but have made a lasting impact with Not My Daughter…Find a Cure Now! that is sure to positively influence the future generations to come.
If you are interested in getting involved with Not My Daughter… Find a Cure Now!, you can visit their website at notmydaughter.org to purchase tickets, volunteer, or become a sponsor and change lives.
