Influencer Danielle Marple has had her breasts and reproductive organs removed to avoid the same cancer that killed her mother. The 32-year-old mother-of-three made the decision to undergo the procedures so her own children would not have to face the same heartbreak she experienced as a child.
Family history and genetic risk
Danielle was just seven years old when she lost her mother to ovarian cancer. Nearly a decade ago, aged 23, she discovered she carries the BRCA1 gene mutation, a harmful genetic change that significantly raises the risk of developing breast, ovarian and other types of cancer.
Surgery and recovery
In August, she underwent a preventative double mastectomy alongside a preventative hysterectomy to remove her breasts and reproductive organs. Now on the road to recovery, the mum is documenting her journey online.
Joining the viral “kinda chic” trend, Danielle posted a clip of herself dancing with her surgery drains, which quickly racked up more than 20,000 likes. She captioned the video: “Kinda chic to remove all your reproductive organs and boobies to protect yourself against the very cancer that took your mom away from her baby.”
Reasoning and support
Explaining her decision, Danielle said: “Dancing and being excited about having risk reduction surgeries in the setting of my BRCA1 mutation after losing my mom to ovarian cancer when I was 7. Not having to put my three babies in the same position.”
Her followers rushed to the comments section to shower the mum with support. One viewer commented: “Love this, hope you heal up quick.” A second added: “You're amazing, speedy recovery.” A third wrote: “You're such an amazing mother, an amazing person even more so.” Another person said: “Love this. You are brave and amazing.” While a fifth fan added: “Your strength is amazing, and always with a smile.”
