Denise DeSimone

Denise’s story is one of extraordinary courage, strength, and deep spirituality. Her journey began the moment she opened her eyes in a post-op ward to the words, “You have cancer. A very aggressive cancer in your throat and neck and you need to move on this immediately.” Within days of receiving this news, she was told if she didn’t move at rapid speed, she had three months to live.

Denise approached her cancer treatment using her own unique combination of alternative therapies, music, allopathic medicine, deep faith that fear would bow its head to faith and a strong connection to a higher power. Denise considers herself not just a “survivor,” she is a “THRIVER.” 

At the time of diagnosis of Stage IV throat and neck cancer, Denise was warned, should she live, she may never sing again. Yet, 22 months post-diagnosis this semi-professional singer/songwriter sang the National Anthem to a sell-out crowd of 37,000 Red Sox fans at Boston’s Fenway Park. Just one month later, she pedaled 87 miles in one day, personally raising thousands of dollars for children’s cancer research.

She recounts her journey of courage and strength in her book, audiobook and documentary all entitled, FROM STAGE IV TO CENTER STAGE, to empower readers, listeners, audience members, and workshop participants to find the opportunities in their struggles and how to turn challenges into doorways of transformation.

Through her works, Denise conveys that she chose not to Battle Cancer, she chose to Befriended It.

For more information on Denise and her works and her newly released digital program L..I.F.E. = Live In Full Expression, please go to www.denisedesimone.com. You will also find access to her podcast, SO MUCH MORE THAN CANCER, on her site or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Denise’s messages, whether spoken or sung, awakens the feeling of shared humanity. Denise embodies hope and promise, reminding us that every day is a gift and encourages us to open this gift with a grateful heart. 

To request Denise for your local event, please contact us at info@headandneck.org or complete the online form.