Everyday Inspirations: Danielle Hawthorne, 3-Time Cancer Survivor, Dedicated to Helping Others

Everyday Inspirations is a series that features people in Patch communities who inspire others through their work, or people who have faced extraordinary situations and grown from them. They have been featured by other people in the community that have been inspired by the nominees.

Name: Danielle Hawthorne 
Town: Stratford, CT
Nominated by: Robyn Greenspan

Why is this person an "Everyday Inspiration?" 
A three-time cancer survivor, Danielle epitomizes an "others first" philosophy. I've known her almost 20 years and there has rarely been a day where she hasn't made a positive difference in someone else's life.

She is featured in the book, "Dare to be a Difference Maker;" she quickly organized a candlelight vigil on the night of the shootings in Sandy Hook; and she has been a generous financial contributor to Stratford's community gardens. These are many more examples of where she has been a mentor, volunteer and contributor to the greater good.

Has the nominee's life been changed in an extraordinary way? 

When she was first diagnosed with breast cancer at 32, instead of saying, "Why me?" she said, "Why not me?" and began dedicating her life to helping others. As one example, she raised money to send the family of a dying woman to Disney to fulfill a last wish. She has weathered two subsequent recurrences of cancer without complaint, always looking for the "silver lining" and how her experiences can benefit others. 

How does this person work to make others' lives better?

An entrepreneur, her businesses have largely been devoted to helping non-profits create sustainable revenue streams. She founded MOJOVATOR Enterprises, which is focused on motivating, inspiring and helping others achieve their dreams. Her friends say she is "ALL CAPS, ALL THE TIME" because she is always happy, positive and a great source of inspiration.