The recent Hoboken resident, who grew up in Bergen County, started a podcast to raise awareness after being diagnosed with cancer in May.
NORTH JERSEY — Last May, Danielle Koppenaal, 28, a Woodcliff Lake native and Syracuse University alumna, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.
It is a form of cancer usually diagnosed in older people – in fact, in the United States The Preventive Services Task Force recommends that people start screening at age 45.
But the National Cancer Institute says there is was an increasee in people diagnosed much younger.
Danielle and her best friend Bevin O’Brien, who were roommates in Hoboken after college, decided to find a silver lining in her diagnosis.
Now, the couple broadcasts a weekly podcast called Cancer Discussions where they raise awareness and funds for cancer, and discuss Danielle’s journey.
Danielle’s journey began in college when she was diagnosed with colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
“She had health problems throughout her four years of school,” a friend said. “And after college it only got worse, but it wasn’t until this year that his doctors diagnosed him with cancer.”
On the podcast, the two discuss “his health journey, his ongoing treatment, tell personal/funny anecdotes and plan to have guests on those affected by cancer, whether personally or through a being expensive,” a spokesperson for the podcast said.
Their goal is to bring levity to a difficult subject, discussing “the ups and downs of a life touched by cancer, while helping listeners stay informed and maintain a sense of humor.”
In addition to the podcast, she has just launched a product in the form of a hat, with all proceeds going to cancer research charity The V Foundation. You can see the hat and more information on the Cancer Cats Instagram here.
TThe pair hope people will listen if they “have been going through a tough time or are still going through it.”
Danielle and Bevin launched the Cancer Chats podcast in July, and it goes live every Thursday. Listeners can access each episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify here:
Danielle has been undergoing treatment for her ulcerative colitis, which she says is “under control”, and has completed eight rounds of chemotherapy for cancer.
She will soon undergo a procedure to see how her body responds, then possibly more medication and chemotherapy.
The National Cancer Institute says that after a study of more than 5,000 people diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer before age 50, many had these warning signs:
- abdominal pain
- rectal bleeding
- diarrhea
- iron deficiency
Having any of these signs was associated with nearly twice the odds of being diagnosed with early colorectal cancer, the institute said. Learn more here.
Follow Cancer chats on Instagram here.
