Deane’s Story

Meet the Models, SoCal: Deanne

“It hasn’t fully settled yet. Out of everything I heard, the statistic is what hit me the hardest.”

When Deanne heard the words no one ever expects—you have breast cancer—her first reaction was pure shock. Despite catching it early and learning it was hormone-based, the news still felt surreal. What truly made it real was the daily number of women diagnosed—a statistic that kept echoing in her mind long after the doctor’s visit was over.

Three months post-surgery, Deanne began treatment—later than she expected, and something she never imagined would be part of her story. But she knows now: it’s time to face it head-on. She enters this next phase surrounded by a rock-solid foundation of family, faith, and community.

“My husband was my solid—my strength on the days I felt overwhelmed. My kids are my calm.”

The outpouring of support came in beautiful and unexpected ways. Friends started a meal train, and though she originally felt she wouldn’t need it—“it’s just surgery, I’ll be fine”—that support became critical after an emergency second surgery. The kindness of others showed up at just the right time, and it carried her through.

Deanne now reflects on how overwhelming the early days were. If she could go back, she would have slowed down, given herself space to breathe, and reached out to more women who had walked the path before her. Listening to their stories, she believes, would have helped her feel more grounded and less alone.

“There isn’t always a finish line. It’s often not a destination, but a lifelong plan we need to be prepared for.”

To others facing breast cancer, Deanne offers this truth: every journey looks different, and support doesn’t always mean having answers. Sometimes it just means showing up, listening, and learning alongside the person you love. Prayers, patience, and empathy go further than you think.