Borough of Beards is dedicating our No Shave November/December fundraiser to Denise “Dee Dee” Ingui, a Bergen County native whose extraordinary courage and resilience inspire everyone around her.

Dee Dee has spent much of her life facing challenges that few can imagine. At just 14 years old, she experienced a medical emergency caused by a tumor in her small intestine, resulting in the removal of nearly three feet of her small intestine. Shortly thereafter, she was diagnosed with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS), an extremely rare genetic condition affecting approximately 1 in 300,000 people. Caused by a mutation or deletion in the STK11 gene, PJS significantly increases the risk of developing cancer. At just 19, while navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dee Dee was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. Then, at 24, she faced cancer once again, this time a rare and aggressive form of cervical cancer known as gastric-type cervical adenocarcinoma (GAS). This diagnosis led to a hysterectomy. These are just three of the many life-altering experiences Dee Dee has endured. Over the past eleven years, she has undergone countless additional procedures and surgeries. Her journey continues, and the challenges of living with PJS remain a part of her everyday life.

But Dee Dee’s story is not just one of hardship. It is a story of strength, perseverance, and hope. Her journey inspired the creation of Rare is Beautiful, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of PJS, supporting research toward a cure, and helping families affected by rare diseases, cancer, and other circumstances of need. To date, the foundation has donated more than $425,000 to children and families who align with its mission.

This November/December, we have an opportunity to give back to the woman whose courage helped inspire so much good. Let’s show Dee Dee that her fight has not gone unnoticed. Let’s remind her that she is surrounded by a community that cares, stands beside her, and is inspired by her strength. And let’s honor the countless individuals and families who have benefited from the foundation built from her story. Every donation makes a difference. The funds raised will help Dee Dee manage the ongoing medical expenses and financial obligations associated with her lifelong battle.

Borough of Beards is a fundraising group made up of 21 Bergen County PBAs and their 22 communities. Since 2021, Borough of Beards has raised nearly a quarter million dollars for local individuals, families and organizations in need. This year’s participating PBAs/Communities: Ho-Ho-Kus, Upper Saddle River, Waldwick, Allendale, Wyckoff, Saddle River, Franklin Lakes, Woodcliff Lake, Ridgewood, Oakland, Midland Park, Montvale, Ramsey, Mahwah, Elmwood park, Garfield, River Edge, New Milford, Wallington, Little Ferry, Glen Rock, Township of Washington.