Danielle’s Cancer Fight - Healthcare Support

Hi all,

We aren’t sure where to start, as we had hoped we could avoid the position of accepting help. We are givers, not receivers, by heart. We would have preferred we’d always keep it that way. However, as we hit this mark in Danielle’s cancer fight, we are forced to recognize that we have a few challenges. With that said, we also realize that we have the most amazing network of friends and family who will hopefully not judge as we tuck our tails for the first time and reach out. So here’s our story and our humble request…

Danielle was diagnosed with triple positive Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in July ‘23. The Breast Cancer had already metastasized and oncology shared that it was Stage 4. We started chemo in August and have been supported by an amazing oncology team, as well as other doctors and medical staff. The treatment through Christmas was “THP” infusions alongside scans. The treatment adjusted in January to “HP” infusions, a monthly injection, a daily chemo pill, and continued scans. This current phase will continue indefinitely, unfortunately. In addition, oophorectomy surgery will be scheduled soon.

Despite the odds, our daily approach is positivity, determination, staying busy, keeping our son, Grady, on his same routine, praying, and being thankful. And obviously as much laughter and smiles we can fit in to one day, every day.

Danielle’s company has been nothing short of amazing. As an AVP of Higher Education Software (sales) she transitioned to disability as treatment began. We cannot thank them enough for how awesome they have been so far.

Our family falls under Danielle’s company benefits and since she is not receiving a paycheck, we understandably pay for those benefits monthly alongside the out-of-pocket expenses. And separately, sometimes the universe gives you extra lemons when you just want lemonade, which we discovered this week. We realized we could really use the support on upcoming continuous treatment. Danielle skipped cold-capping (the ability to keep her hair) because of the extra expense, as well as other approaches for cancer health that are not covered by insurance. However, as we move forward, we would like for her to have the chance to be able to participate in additional cancer therapy options, if they can help in any way.

Ultimately, we just realized that the stress of healthcare expenses was finally weighing in. It would mean everything to us to remove that stress and continue to stay positive while we battle “life with cancer”. We completely understand that not everyone has the means, so please know that we also welcome prayers of support and all the high-fives and smiles that we already so fortunately receive. We truly have an army of genuine outreach and well-wishes already and it keeps us moving.

Forever thankful. Always appreciative.

All Our Love,

Johnny, Danielle, and Grady Smith

(and Buoy dog!)