Danielle Frost is Executive Director of The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, which advances youth education and breast cancer awareness through grants, mobile mammograms, and vital support for those facing difficult health journeys.
However, she never imagined that journey would become her own.
"I'm beginning to share my story more openly… not because it’s easy, but because it's deeply personal.”
After years in philanthropy, event production and working with professional athletes, Danielle found herself in a more personally fulfilling role—leading The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, created by Larry Fitzgerald, Jr. in honor of his mother, Carol Fitzgerald after losing her to breast cancer.
“Larry’s heart for this cause is so real. He’s not just a name on a foundation.”
Danielle poured herself into the mission—building campaigns, partnerships, and support for women fighting for their health. And ultimately, she became one of them.
"I wasn’t overly concerned. But something told me to get it checked."
There were no symptoms. No warnings. Just an ordinary morning in the shower when she felt a lump.
What followed was a whirlwind.
A mammogram. A biopsy. A phone call. Cancer.
"I was crushed. It felt like the air left the room."
The first time she walked into a doctor’s office, she expected professionalism and compassion; however, she was met with condescension and dismissal.
"I had one doctor ask me if we had a Zoom call together in preparation for my first appointment. I shared that we did not and he simply replied, 'OK.' At that point, I knew he didn't know who I was as a person, not to mention a patient. In response to me he said, 'What difference does it make? You already have cancer.'”
At first, Danielle felt upset and defeated. Then, it motivated her.
"I called Larry and we worked together to find a new doctor. Eventually we found a team who listened."
Danielle learned firsthand what too many women experience – some doctors rush appointments and make choices for patients instead of with them.
"Women cannot be paralyzed by fear."
In addition to processing the diagnosis, she also shielded her son.
"I didn’t want to tell my little boy. All a mom strives to do is protect her children."
Danielle made the difficult decision to have an aggressive surgery based on the information she had at the time. After careful consideration, with chemotherapy and radiation not being an option for the type of cancer and diagnosis at that time, Danielle decided to have a bi-lateral mastectomy.
"Breast cancer doesn’t start and stop in October when the world decides to turn everything pink."
Through The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, she’s committed to providing year-round resources.
“I think about the women who don’t have a support system and it breaks my heart.”
For nearly a year, Danielle believed her fight was over. Then, she discovered a lump in the exact same place.
"It was a gut punch. I did everything right. I made the hard choices. And it still wasn’t enough. One doctor said they got it, and another said it was never gone in the first place. It just didn’t add up.”
This time, Danielle approached it differently. She was stronger and more informed.
"I had to advocate for myself because no one was going to do it for me like me."
And through it all, Larry was there – not just professionally, but as a friend who had lived the fight alongside his own mother.
"Larry checked in and gave me the space to handle it my way."
Doctors rushed to create another plan: providing options for more surgery, radiation, and what felt like a lifetime of fear. And that’s when Danielle realized that even doctors at the highest level of their profession aren't always on the same page.
“I wanted to explore my options and be as educated as possible. If I’ve learned anything, women must fight for themselves. We must research and ask questions about terms and details we don't understand."
Danielle decided to have a lumpectomy to remove the mass she found for the second time as she continues to be a champion of self advocacy. That’s why she continues to push the mission of The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation forward.
"We don’t just talk about breast cancer awareness. We take action."
Danielle never set out to be the face of this fight—she was always more comfortable behind the scenes, making things happen. But she soon realized, “By using my voice, I can help others speak louder.”
thelarryfitzgeraldfoundation.org
“I don’t usually tell my story; it's deeply personal."
"We cannot be paralyzed by fear."