How To Help Rochester’s Danielle Teal During Her Breast Cancer Fight

The words "breast cancer" are impacting way too many women that I know.  Unfortunately, one of Rochester, Minnesota's kindest humans (and one of my old co-workers) has heard those words and now needs our help.

When The Word "Cancer" Hits Too Close To Those You Love

Since I was 18, I've disliked Doctors.  "Cancer" made that happen.

When the word "cancer" is announced, you immediately see the world through a different filter.  Unrecognizable words are used to describe the changes that have happened.  Confusion, anger, sadness, hope, and fight are all feelings that rush at various times and I've felt them all, multiple times.  Not as a survivor but as a caregiver.

As a result of that dislike, I've avoided the sterile buildings where Doctors are employed as much as possible.  That means I've also avoided all of those "fun" tests that women are suggested to get.  That all changed when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020.

READ MORE: Valentine's Gift For Iowa Mom Was Breast Cancer Diagnosis

As my mom was in the middle of her radiation treatments, I had 4 other friends who were also diagnosed with breast cancer.  It was like the world was screaming at me to go get a mammogram.  With the help of a very caring Doctor, I scheduled my first one.

30% of females who hear the word "cancer" this year are hearing it because of a breast cancer diagnosis.

I've said this before - cancer doesn't care who you are.  Breast cancer takes 1st place as the most common cancer for women in 157 countries.  It doesn't care how much money you have, what your job title is, or how kind you are.  It.Doesn't.Care.  But when it hits someone who has shown that care to others, that is when it is our turn to step up and help.  And Rochester, that is what is needed right now for one of our own - Danielle Teal.

Everything You Need To Know About The GoFundMe For Danielle Teal in Rochester, Minnesota

When I first started in radio, I had two memorable interactions with Danielle Teal.  She worked at Townsquare Media part-time on-air at 106.9 KROC and wrote the story about my arrival to the on-air team.  The newbie writing about the other newbie.

The second moment was a bit more serious.  My family was in the middle of a major crisis.  My husband was hanging out at the world-famous Mayo Clinic for an extended stay.  He was on oxygen, had multiple CT scans, and was struggling to breathe due to fluid continuing to fill around his lungs.  One pocket of fluid would get drained and another would start to fill up.  It was a very painful process and lasted weeks.

One of the days when I was juggling my life of chaos with a new job and three kids, Danielle walked into the Y-105FM studio.  She heard that my husband was sick and wanted to know if I needed any help.  I was barely functioning, running between home, schools, work and the hospital.  That day, I even found a pair of socks in my laptop bag where my water bottle should have been.  Like I said, chaos.  As many Minnesotans do, I proudly refused the handout.  But I'll never forget that willingness to help lift my burden for a bit and the hug she gave me that day.

Fast forward about 7 years, I was anxiously awaiting the results of my latest mammogram.  While I waited for the message to pop up in my portal with my results, I hopped on Facebook.  Danielle Teal posted that she had heard the words "breast cancer".

Breast cancer is not a journey to do alone.  It is also one that takes time...to process, to get a diagnosis, and to treat.  Danielle, friends and family have been updating everyone at her Caring Bridge site - you can find that here.

How To Help Danielle Teal Right Now:

Meal Train:  Do you love to cook?  There is a meal train that has been set up to help - where you can donate a premade meal or even gift cards to help with food.

GoFundMe:

Danielle Teal is the most joyful, selfless, LOVING human we have ever met. She has been a literal lifesaver for many of us and has dedicated her life to her girls, friends, and community through her Random Acts of Kindness campaign. It's time to rally around our girl and shower her with LOVE and HEALING power.

Danielle and her girls are facing some unexpected financial hurdles due to her recent diagnosis. Please consider making a contribution to help with monthly bills as Danielle focuses on DUCKING cancer.

Medical expenses are not simple and they are very expensive.  If you are able to help this way, you can find the link for Danielle's GoFundMe here.

Three hand squeezes, Danielle.  You got this.