Hi, I’m Darlene — a mom to three incredible kids, a proud firefighter wife, and someone who’s faced one of life’s hardest battles: cancer.

We had just moved into our new home, not even six months in when everything changed.
What I thought was just pelvic pain sent me to the ER, but instead of the simple answer I expected, I was met with the news no one wants to hear: a cancer diagnosis. I share this detail because I want to raise awareness, sometimes what feels like “just a little pain” is your body’s way of asking you to listen.

After undergoing a full hysterectomy , I faced the challenge of healing both physically and emotionally. My body was still in recovery when I learned I would need six months of intense chemotherapy—with little hope offered. In that moment, I had to process the loss of a part of myself while also embracing for one of the most difficult seasons of my life.

Chemo brought the fatigue, the fear, and the unknown. But even in that storm, my kids gave me purpose. They gave me the strength to fight hard, to ask my doctors how I could have more energy, and to keep showing up however I could.

My faith became my anchor. Without it, I would have felt so lost. In that season, I leaned into God, and leaned on the people around me. My family was there every step of the way, offering love and support, and our fire family stepped in with the same selfless care. Neighbors, co-op moms who drove hours just to help, and our wider community all rose up around us. Together, they carried us through when we needed it most.

One verse that carried me through was Isaiah 40:31
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

We weren’t meant to do this life alone. And if you don’t have that support yet, I hope this space becomes that for you.