About Danelle
Danelle Smith
Founder of
Cancer Care Doula
Healthcare Leadership Certificate - Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
Certificate in Peer Healthcare Navigation - York University
Winner of the 2022 UHN Local Impact Awards and the President's
Patient Partner Awards
"Danelle Smith has been part of many initiatives over the years helping shape care to be reflective of UHN's Patient Declaration of Values. She has been described by her peers as a compassionate leader who builds respectful partnerships with teams, is unafraid to ask clarifying questions and is forward thinking – pushing UHN to be the best. She has contributed greatly towards projects including co-Chair of UHN's Proton Therapy Patient Partner Consultation Group, various roles within Princess Margaret's Radiation Medicine Program and the Cancer and Arts Committee."
-From the UHN Website
Cancer Care Doula's Mission
To use personal insight and experience as a patient and peer healthcare navigator to empower people with knowledge and positivity as they navigate an extremely difficult time in their lives.
Bit by bit, step by step, we're going to get through this.
What people are saying...
"When I was told I needed a biopsy after a mammogram, I felt like I was about to step foot into a dark cave. Danelle was a light in the darkness. She teaches you that you are going to be ok for so many reasons. Danelle did this not only for me, but for family members who also hated the scary dark cave. She replaces fear with knowledge, and sadness with hope. She shares personal wisdom and practical tips that totally change your day for the better. I can’t imagine the past 2 months without Danelle. Her outlook has changed the course of my cancer journey and whole mindset." ~Michelle, Diagnosed in 2023
Danelle's Medical Journey
Danelle is a mother, daughter, sister, friend and long-time business owner, known for her empathic approach and let's get'er done attitude, who had the unfortunate luck to receive very bad news one day.
May 2013
Danelle is diagnosed with Stage 4, Grade 2, Metastatic Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Breast Cancer. Estrogen + and Progesterone +.
June - September 2013
-It is discovered that Danelle is HER+ in the tumour in her right iliac bone
- Receives 5 rounds of chemotherapy
- Herceptin (a specialized drug for HER2+ patients) is added to her chemo therapy treatment plan
October 2013
-Receives10 rounds of radiation on her right iliac bone
November 2013
-Bilateral double mastectomy
January - February 2014
- An access port is inserted into her superior vena cava vein
- Receives 25 rounds of radiation on her left chest
April 2015
-DIEP flap reconstruction surgery
July 2017
-Incisional hernia repair operation
March 2018
-Complete hysterectomy
October 2023
-Anterior total left hip replacement
June 2013 - Present
- IV drug injections of Herceptin every 21 days and
-Zometa (a bone strengthening drug) every 3 months.
-To date Danelle has received almost 200 Herceptin treatments.
- Daily oral hormonal therapy
- CT scans, bone scans, MRI’s, ultrasounds, MUGA test, and echocardiograms regularly