On March 27th, 2024, Hudson County lost one of its own. Danielle Koppenaal, a 29-year-old resident of Jersey City (and formerly Hoboken), sadly lost her battle with stage four colon cancer after being diagnosed in 2023. Danielle and her best friend/former roommate, Bevin O’Brien, spread awareness for the disease through their podcast, Cancer Chats. The Hoboken and Jersey City community will miss Danielle deeply, and The Hoboken Girl team sends all our love to her family. In honor of Danielle’s memory, we’re revisiting our chat with Danielle and Bevin from November 2023.
Photo Credit: @cancer_chats
Danielle Koppenall, originally from Bergen County, was a longtime resident of Hoboken before moving to Jersey City, where she resided until her passing. Danielle was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in May of 2023. Some of her favorite Hoboken spots included 10th Street Pizza, Antique Bar + Bakery, Grand Vin, The Hive, and 10th + Willow.
Shortly after her diagnosis, Danielle and Bevin started the Cancer Chats podcast in July 2023 — which spread awareness for colon cancer among young people in their 20s and 30s. When we chatted with Danielle last year, chemotherapy treatment was underway, and surgery was hopefully in the plans for the future.
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After researching her diagnosis and to her surprise, Danielle learned that she wasn’t alone in her struggle: colon cancer diagnoses are increasing among young people in their 20s and 30s. The two ladies wanted to fill the void of this virtually nonexistent conversation and be a guiding voice for a generation.
^ Danielle (left), and Bevin (right)
In their podcast, Bevin and Danielle openly discuss a life touched by cancer, and provided updates on Danielle’s story while also featuring guests from different walks of life affected by the illness, including survivors, romantic partners, friends, and family members.
The goal was to create a deep conversation while maintaining a sense of humor. The duo told The Hoboken Girl that they looked to “inspire people to keep living, to keep laughing, and to keep fighting no matter what.” The two also said that as a long-term goal, they hope Cancer Chats will help “spread awareness of cancer in young people.”
Bevin shared a heartbreaking post on the Cancer Chats Instagram a few days ago in honor of her best friend, saying:
“Danni, you were one of the most beautiful people I have ever had the pleasure of calling my friend. You were the bravest person I have ever known. The way you chose to fight your cancer was beyond inspiring, to use your diagnosis and voice to spread awareness about ALL cancers in young people. You have changed so many lives not only from knowing you personally but through Cancer Chats. Through this podcast you inspired many listeners to get early detection screenings, you became a support and inspiration to many people fighting cancer. I will always remember the Good, the bad, and especially the funny ❤️ You were an excellent daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend; you were an inspiration to us all! You are and will always remain in my heart. I love you; until we meet again Danni Girl #cancerchats”
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Danielle’s obituary will be here. The Hoboken Girl sends all of our love to Danielle’s family.
