Suzanne and Denis Dandeneau

A Story of Resilience and Determination: Journey to Survivorship and Service

Life is often a journey of unexpected challenges and profound transformations, and for Suzanne and Denis, their path has been nothing short of extraordinary. Married for 55 years, with four children spread across the country and 13 grandchildren growing into the future, their story is one of courage, love, and a shared commitment to overcoming life’s trials—together.

Finding Home in Greenville

After living in various States, abroad, and, most recently, in Denver, Suzanne and Denis carefully considered where they might finally settle. They were determined to settle closer to their daughters in the Southeast. Their search led them to Greenville, where one walk on the local trail changed everything.

They wanted to live within a walkable, active community. Greenville seemed to meet their needs.  While exploring the park, they were surprised to see a large poster at the Cancer Survivors Park that featured Denis’s brother, his granddaughter, and their therapy dog “Punkin.” [click HERE for the story.]

Julia’s incredible survival story as a brain cancer survivor touched their hearts. To Suzanne and Denis, this wasn’t just a coincidence—it was a sign. They had followed that story closely, and it gave them a sense of connection to Greenville.

So, they decided to call Greenville home.

Today, their connection to the park runs deep. They’ve adopted it as their own, and they take pride in helping maintain its serene environment. For them, the park is not only a place of beauty but also one of reflection, peace, and hope.

Overcoming Cancer—Twice

Suzanne and Denis are no strangers to life-altering challenges. In Denver in 2014, Suzanne was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a registered nurse and being certified internationally as an Integrated Nutrition Coach, she faced the diagnosis with determination. Guided by her daughter’s father-in-law, the Director of Oncology at the Mayo Clinic, her commitment to compliance with her doctor’s recommended treatment, her nutritional knowledge, and a positive outlook, she has been cancer-free for nine years, crediting her survival to her compliant commitment to medical care, supportive nutrition, and a positive outlook.

In 2020, Denis received his diagnosis—prostate cancer. Discovered during a routine checkup at the height of the pandemic, the tumor was successfully treated with advanced Da Vinci robotic surgery. Today, his PSA levels remain below one, placing him firmly in the “free and clear” category.

Their shared mindset has been their greatest strength. “Don’t surrender,” Denis says. “If you surrender, you continue to decline.” Suzanne adds, “Some things seem hopeless initially, but with persistence and proper care, you can overcome.”

Survivorship and Lessons Learned

For Suzanne and Denis, being survivors isn’t just about beating cancer—it’s about thriving despite it. They’ve learned to focus on what they can control, combining conventional medicine with nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Their advice to others? “Don’t deny what’s happening. Face it, get the care you need, and believe in the process.”

Their optimism is infectious. Together, they inspire each other, balancing Suzanne’s nurturing perspective as a nurse with Denis’s problem-solving approach as a chemical engineer.

Giving Back and Looking Ahead

At 76, Suzanne and Denis enjoy life’s many pleasures: watching their grandchildren grow, volunteering, and participating in studies to advance aging research. Suzanne volunteers at a local pregnancy center, while Denis volunteers at his church. He finds fulfillment in maintaining the beauty of Cancer Survivors Park.

They view the park as a place of calm and connection. For Denis, it’s “a great place for reflection.” For Suzanne, it’s “peaceful and beautiful.” Both agree it’s a blessing to have it so close.

The Legacy of Hope

Suzanne and Denis’s story is about resilience, partnership, and purpose. It’s a testament to their belief in the power of attitude, community, and action. Whether overcoming cancer or adopting a pavilion to preserve the beauty of Greenville’s trails, they’ve built a legacy of hope for themselves, their family, and their community.

As Suzanne puts it, “Find what you can control, and get to a place of “I can do this!”

Story by Michael McCullough

Photo by Sliced Tomato Productions