Deacon's Destiny Origin Story

At 32, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. I was stage 2 on the borderline of entering stage 3. I was so blessed to have an incredible team of doctors, family and friends surrounding me. I was attempting to enter my first go at entrepreneurship and had just relocated back home to St. Louis. To say I was taken aback would be an understatement concerning this new breast cancer fight that I found myself facing. My stepfather had just transitioned the month prior and my grandfather the month before that. It was a stressful and uncertain time in my life. 

A quick visit to Nashville prior to my first round of chemo proved to be life changing.  My friend Niki, who happened to be a veterinarian was kind enough to give me the best gift, a precious bundle of love in the form of a Yorkie that I named Deacon (after my grandfather, who had just recently passed on from leukemia). I had always desired to have a little boy Yorkie and give him a big name. Now was my chance. Niki had no idea then, but she helped usher in the purpose of my life’s work. She sent me home with all the things Deacon would need. He had his shots and she sent us home with enough food to get us started! She continued to care for Deacon during subsequent trips to Nashville over the years. 

Deacon was my life saver! He provided me with a reason to get out of bed on those mornings after chemo had ravished my body and energy. He forced me to go outside for fresh air each and every day and his walks and outings to the park were instrumental in socialization not only for him but me as well. I was chosen to have the opportunity to love him for almost 16 years until the day that he left to cross the rainbow bridge. However, Deacon’s spirit lives on and in his honor, I formed Deacon’s Destiny, a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization. 

It is our desire to provide Yorkies and other dog breeds that have been rescued to patients battling breast cancer. We welcome your referrals, recommendations, time and financial gifts to further our cause. We give our word and promise these precious survivors and furry helpers will continue to fulfill Deacon’s Destiny!