Side Lake woman fighting ovarian cancer with full support of community

Danette Carpenter has a busy life in Side Lake, with family, animals, and her faith.

But some nagging symptoms like urinary tract infections, bloating, and pelvic pain made things difficult last fall.

She found out it was ovarian cancer. After surgery in Duluth to remove it, she and her husband, Todd, and daughter Abigail headed to Mexico.

There, she’s getting treatment at the Hope 4 Cancer clinic in Cancun. “I’ve always been more holistic in thought process and natural process in many things, even with animals.”

There, she gets treatment six days a week. But it’s renewing for her, to be surrounded by others on the same journey. “I’ve met people from all over the world.”

Meanwhile, friends have organized a fundraiser. Rob and Betty Claflin own the Side Lake Store, and have gotten to know the Carpenters. Rob said, “I think it’s important to work together as a community.”

Betty added, “I hope that a lot of people come out. Many people know Danette and the family. They’ve done a lot for others in the community.”

The family is very grateful for the support. “It’s hard to put into words, the emotions. You guys have been so awesome. They’ve really rallied around our family,” Carpenter said.

Carpenter is also open to sharing the message with other women to advocate for their health. “I would never have thought UTIs would have meant ovarian cancer,” she told us. “Women still need to get checked out.”

If you want to support the family, head to the fundraiser. Here are the details:

Saturday from 11am-2pm

Side Lake Store, 7505 Hwy 5 in Side Lake

Live music, BBQ, silent auction with over 50 items.

Or donate to the GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/2rxj27-help-our-mom-beat-cancer?qid=22aee716687fdf85ce34332a5354de6c

There’s also an event called Light Duluth Teal to raise money and awareness about ovarian cancer. It’s hosted by the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance: https://one.bidpal.net/lightduluthteal22/welcome