Turning Survival Into a Voice for Others

Danielle Duran's story begins in the early 2000s, when she was a young professional living in New York. Danielle was born in Brazil. She moved to the United States for graduate school and was building her career. She was energetic, ambitious, and planning for the future. But her life took a sudden turn when routine medical tests revealed a serious health issue. What she thought would be a simple step before cosmetic surgery turned into the start of a battle for her life.

The First Signs

At first, Danielle only felt tired. She had always lived with low blood pressure, so she did not see it as a problem. In fact, she was preparing for liposuction. She planned the procedure while visiting family in Brazil. Her doctor gave her a list of tests to complete before surgery. Danielle returned to New York, completed the tests, and gave it no thought.

But her physician called with alarming news: she had severe anemia. He told her surgery could not happen until they figured out the cause. Though concerned, Danielle was not overly worried. She returned to Brazil and continued working while seeing specialists.

Her search for answers lasted months. Dentists, hematologists, and even an acupuncturist tried to explain her unusual results. But no one found the cause. During a routine ultrasound, a family friend, also a doctor, noticed something unusual. What she saw was shocking. Danielle had a large mass in her liver—so large that it had pushed her organs out of place. The tumor measured over 18 centimeters, nearly the size of a melon.

A Dangerous Surgery

Doctors told Danielle the tumor needed to come out immediately. She met with several surgeons before choosing one. He reassured her that she was now under his care. Surgery would happen right away.

The procedure lasted 11 hours. During that time, Danielle's heart stopped three times. Yet she survived. Surgeons removed about 65 to 70 percent of her liver. At first, the medical team thought the tumor was not cancerous. But after more tests, the truth became clear. Danielle had fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma. It is a rare form of liver cancer that usually strikes healthy young adults..

Learning the Diagnosis

The news of cancer reached Danielle in a roundabout way. Doctors chose not to use the word "cancer" at first. Instead, they told her family, who decided not to share the whole truth immediately. The doctors scheduled a treatment called chemoembolization. Danielle's sister finally broke the news. She told Danielle that the treatment she was about to have was actually chemotherapy. It was cancer.

Danielle felt shocked and betrayed. In that moment, she began to understand how serious her condition was. Her rare diagnosis meant doctors had little research to rely on. Still, she faced the treatment with determination.

The Long Road of Recovery

Even after surgery and treatment, Danielle's journey was not over. For years, she returned for scans and follow-up care. At first, doctors monitored her every few months, then every six months, and finally once a year. For five years, her scans showed no new growth. Danielle began to believe the cancer was behind her.

She moved back to the United States, married, and focused on building a family. But in December 2007, everything changed again. During a routine scan in Brazil, doctors found a new tumor, this time about the size of an orange.

Facing Cancer Again

The news hit Danielle like a wave. She had just celebrated her wedding and was settling into her new life. Now she had to face surgery once more. Her husband wanted her to get treatment in the United States. But a respected surgeon gave different advice. He told her to stay in Brazil with the doctors who knew her case best. Danielle agreed.

Her second surgery was successful. This time, the tumor was smaller. The doctors also had more experience with fibrolamellar HCC. Danielle continued with careful monitoring. She alternated between MRIs and CT scans. She knew she would need lifelong surveillance.

Building Strength Through Experience

Danielle's experience taught her lessons about survival, resilience, and advocacy. She learned to push for answers when doctors dismissed her concerns. She discovered the importance of education and community in facing a serious diagnosis.

Looking back, Danielle often says she wishes she had known she would survive. Initially, she felt isolated. At that time, there were very few organizations to help. There were no patient workshops where survivors shared their experiences. Instead, she faced stigma and silence. People avoided talking about cancer. Others made unhelpful comments, reminding her of death instead of life.

A Voice for Others

Danielle chose to change that silence. She became a storyteller, author, and advocate. In 2020, she published her first book, Viva para Conectar. It was the first Portuguese-language book to explore fibrolamellar HCC and survivorship. Through her writing and public speaking, she helps others facing cancer know they are not alone.

Her career as a marketing executive also reflects this mission. Danielle has worked in global, mission-driven organizations for more than 20 years. In her work, she promotes empathy, inclusion, and open communication. She now lives in Maryland with her husband and two children. At home and at work, she continues her passion for building connections.