A Mother’s Cancer Journey Inspires Her Daughter

By: Tara Roberts | June 11, 2026 | 7 min. read |

Inspired by her mother, Dani Duensing started Dani’s Promise to provide necessities and comfort items for patients undergoing chemotherapy for any type of cancer at Sylvester Plantation.

Providers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and patient's daughter, Dani Duensing, holding pink tote bags stand in front of a sign for the Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute. — Dani Duensing and her mother, Tammy Knight Duensing

When Tammy Knight Duensing was undergoing chemotherapy for triple negative breast cancer in 2025, she relied on items such as cooling gloves to prevent neuropathy in her hands and feet, port access shirts and heated blankets for comfort during treatments.

One day, her teenage daughter, Dani Duensing, came along to her treatment at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Plantation facility, part of UHealth — University of Miami Health System, near their home in Broward County. Dani noticed that not every patient had the items her mom had and that she knew were important to making her mom’s treatments more bearable.

She decided to do something about it.

In October 2025, Dani started Dani’s Promise to provide necessities and comfort items for patients undergoing chemotherapy for any type of cancer at Sylvester Plantation. The organization has since gathered more than 1,000 donated items and raised thousands of dollars to purchase even more.

Dani’s Promise recently gained nonprofit status, and Dani and Tammy plan to expand to more Sylvester locations.

“My goal is just trying to make as much of a positive impact on as many people as I can,” said Dani, a 17-year-old high school junior. “I want to positively affect everyone in Sylvester and in our community by getting people involved, providing patients with items that might ease their burden and give them comfort and hope, and spreading awareness.”

The Promise Begins

Tammy, an attorney, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2025 at age 52. Her oncologist at Sylvester, Alejandra Perez, M.D., medical director of the Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute at Sylvester Plantation, guided her through treatment, along with her nurse at Sylvester Plantation, Vivian Guillen, R.N.

Tammy took notes throughout her journey, determined to help others going through the same process. When Dani had the idea for Dani’s Promise, they made the perfect team.

Dani wrote a story about her mom that she shared with family and friends and posted online. Dr. Perez and Guillen helped identify helpful items to add to the Dani’s Promise wishlist.

Soon, the Duensing family living room was packed with donations. Dani’s dad, Dave Duensing, and her extended family members helped her organize the items and wrap them in pink bows. Dani began delivering gifts to patients at Sylvester Plantation in December 2025.

Dr. Perez is amazed by Dani and Tammy’s passion and drive, and she has witnessed how the Dani’s Promise items improve quality of life for patients who otherwise might not be able to afford them.

“I’m very grateful to them and very happy for our patients that have access to all of those wonderful items,” she said. “We cannot fight breast cancer alone. It is always a job that we have to do with our community, and we’re very grateful to our community for being so supportive. We’re all in this together.”

The Promise Grows

In October 2025, Tammy learned that she has no residual disease.

“Sylvester saved my life, there’s no doubt about it,” she said. “I would be in a very different position if it wasn’t for the care that I received, and we really want to make sure we pay it forward.”

In addition to gathering donations online, Dani’s Promise has partnered with four Broward County schools to gather donations and write encouraging notes for patients.

Dani recently completed her training to volunteer at Sylvester Plantation so she can deliver the care packages directly, and she’s excited to learn from patients about their needs.

“Whatever they need, we can get that for them,” she said.

Tammy said Dani has been dedicated to giving to others since her fifth birthday, when she asked friends to donate money to Arc Broward, a service organization for individuals with disabilities, where she continues to volunteer.

“Dani’s always been so selfless and never asked for anything. She always wants to help others, which is such an unbelievable attribute in today’s society, especially for a child,” Tammy said. “It’s so refreshing to see, and we are so proud of her.”

For more information on how to support Dani’s Promise, email [email protected].