Limitless

The first thing you notice when you meet Danielle is her unwavering determination. A former Canadian sitting volleyball player and captain of the national team, she proudly represented Canada on the world stage. From Rio to Tokyo to Paris, her unstoppable spirit shines through.

Strength from the Start

Danielle grew up in a loving supportive family in White Rock, BC. Diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma cancer shortly after birth, she lost her right leg below the knee at just two months old. She never let this stop nor define her. Whether playing soccer, volleyball or any other school sports, while growing up, Danielle thrived in ablebodied sports.

She is always ready to lend a hand to those in need, whether it’s offering support during difficult coursework or providing encouragement when needed. – Sarah, fellow classmate

Inspired by her family doctor, Danielle sought a career helping others. She studied at the Justice Institute of British Columbia to become a Primary Care Paramedic and was immediately hired with BC Ambulance after graduating. For eight years, Danielle worked as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher, supporting first responders and patients.

I have come full circle working at BC Cancer.

While building her career, Danielle trained as an elite athlete. She joined Canada’s National Sitting Volleyball Team while in high school, proudly competing for Canada for more than 14 years. As Captain of the Canadian Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team, her leadership and dedication were celebrated. This was a testament to her hard work. Nicole Ban, Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team, writes, “Danielle is passionate about others and continually advocates to make the world around her a better place. She truly embodies the Paralympic movement, inspiring others to strive to be their best; always moving forward and never giving up. She is an advocate for anyone living with a disability, showing everyone that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.”

From Court to Classroom

The experience Danielle had as a dispatcher deepened her commitment to healthcare and wanting to be more deeply involved. With a passion for medicine and helping others, she decided to pursue a career as a Pharmacy Technician. She researched and found Stenberg College’s online Pharmacy Technician program, and enrolled.

As an elite athlete, balancing academics with training requires time management and organizational skills, and the flexibility of the program made it the perfect fit. “Going back to school and being successful was very important to me. Prior to competition starting, I made sure I devoted enough time to school so I would be successful. During competition, I pivoted and set my focus on playing.”

During the program, Danielle brought the same focus and determination that defined her athletic career. Whether it was in online classes, in-person labs, or practicums, her drive stood out. Fellow classmate Sarah shares, “one of Danielle’s most admirable qualities is her caring nature. She is always ready to lend a hand to those in need, whether it’s offering support during difficult coursework or providing encouragement when needed.”

Kate McKenzie, Pharmacy Technician Lab Coordinator, says, “Danielle consistently showed a strong voice for Pharmacy and her new profession. Danielle is a Paralympian and competed in Paris while continuing her education at Stenberg. She exemplifies working under adversity, always rising above and showing her strength and determination.”

Danielle thrived and enjoyed the program. She completed her practicums at Langley Costco and Langley Memorial Hospital before graduating with an outstanding 94% grade point average, all while competing at the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris, where she and her team won a bronze medal.

Life Comes Full Circle

Today, Danielle has built a life filled with love. She and her partner of 14 years, Tyler, share a home with their five-year-old dog, Ryder. After graduating from the program, Danielle secured a job at the BC Cancer as a Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT), just over six months after graduating from Stenberg College.

Coming full circle, the girl once diagnosed with cancer as a newborn is now dedicating her career to supporting patients facing their own battles. Danielle smiles as she shares, “I have come full circle working at BC Cancer, from undergoing treatment by world-class, caring nurses and doctors to being a part of the process to help others through this difficult time in their lives.”

Now, as the Student of the Year Finalist for the Pharmacy Technician program, Danielle is looking ahead with the same champion spirit that has guided her throughout her life. Whether in healthcare, or her community, she continues to prove that success is measured not only by medals and achievements, but by the dedication, compassion, and focus she brings to everything she does, on and off the court. She is unstoppable. ❉