Stage-four lung cancer warrior Danielle Williams is a media consultant, the owner of Diva Strong Media and creator of Community Link AZ on YouTube, in which she highlight nonprofits and the positive contributions they are making in our community. “I am a former broadcast journalist with a passion for volunteering in the community and helping nonprofits acquire media exposure.” Learn about Danielle Williams…
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
First job: Cashier at a movie theater.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: Hiking Camelback Mountain, getting out in nature enjoying the fresh air and clear skies.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Being able to move pass having my job taken away from me when I was working in television once I made my stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis know to the public. I focused on healing. I am a firm believer in the power of mind over matter. I used this to my advantage with a positive mindset in the forefront of everything I did. I have come full circle, and I am thriving. I became a representative for the state of Arizona as the Lung Force Hero as the co-chair with the American Lung Association. In 2020, I was invited to travel to Washington DC to share my story as a non-smoker who got lung cancer before congress to help with funding and create change for others facing lung cancer. Since Covid-19 hit in 2020, I connected with members of congress virtually.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Overcoming stage 4 lung cancer as a non-smoker. I went from being extremely healthy, working out six days a week and never smoked a day in my life to dropping weight and, at 94 pounds, being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The cancer spread to my lower spine, pelvis and the top of my right shoulder. Going through my cancer journey opened the doors to a world of new opportunities. I’ve always been a positive person, and I decided to kill my cancer with kindness and turn this sour life lemon into sweet lemonade. Amazing blessing have come my way, and I am living my best life with extreme gratitude.
Someone who inspires you and why: My mom and grandmother. They are the women who have come before me and set the tone for the women that I have become. To me, they are my inspiration.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Be passionate about it and find a way to do it that connects you to the people you truly believe in. Have fun and enjoy the ride along the way. Learn as you go and be open to volunteering and doing some things for free!
Favorite quote: “People show you who they are, and you should believe them.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I have a Germany pen-pal, and we have been writing letters to one another since 1986. I have been to Germany twice to visit her. It’s been an amazing friendship.
What makes someone fabulous: I think their energy to laugh and not sweat the small things. Someone who is happy and makes you feel just as good when you are with them.