In October 2021, Denise Quatse’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. A diagnosis like this is a gut punch, one that rattles everything you thought you knew about life. But the Quatse family? They’ve shown us that love, resilience, and hope can move mountains. And at the heart of this powerful journey is Dave – Denise’s rock, her cheerleader, and her unwavering support after 40 years of marriage.

What was supposed to be a time of celebration – their 40th wedding anniversary – has been filled with hospital visits, chemotherapy infusions, and countless sleepless nights. But through every challenge, Dave and their daughters have been there, side by side, pouring out love and showing up with everything they’ve got.

When Denise first received her diagnosis, the outlook was tough, and local doctors weren’t giving much hope. But Dave, Denise, and their daughters knew that they weren’t going to just accept it. They reached out to Memorial Sloan Kettering, where Denise bravely underwent her first surgery, removing tumors from her colon and liver and receiving a hepatic artery infusion pump. That surgery became a beacon of hope, turning what once seemed like an impossible fight into something they could rally behind.

And the fight didn’t stop there! Denise’s strength has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. After powering through over 57 rounds of chemotherapy, two additional procedures, and more challenges than anyone should ever have to face, she’s still standing tall. What was once an overwhelming mountain has turned into an epic 37-month victory march—and Denise isn’t slowing down anytime soon!

The Quatse family’s fight has also become a family effort. Their daughter Maria, who stepped in as a caregiver, moved back in with her parents to offer support in every way possible. Together, Dave, Denise, and Maria run a small business from home, but every trip to New York City for treatments—every hotel stay, train ride, and hospital visit—takes its toll physically, emotionally, and financially. When Denise was recently hospitalized for liver clots and a bacterial infection, Dave and Maria spent more than $300 a night just to stay close. And that’s on top of weeks spent away from work and home.

It’s not just the financial strain that weighs on them. The emotional toll of caregiving, the sleepless nights, the uncertainty of each new day – those are the quiet burdens caregivers carry, ones they don’t always say out loud. And through it all, Denise has expressed an overwhelming gratitude for her family’s constant support.

In a recent heart-to-heart with Kristina Nemetz, our Gifts & Grants Coordinator, Denise shared the guilt she felt about the financial burden her illness has caused. But we want to remind you all: there’s no price tag on the love, care, and support that a family gives. Denise’s words are a touching reminder of how much the small acts of kindness, the presence of loved ones, and the emotional strength of caregivers mean.

Despite the weight of it all, Denise continues to be filled with gratitude. She’s beyond thankful for Dave and Maria, as well as for organizations like Cocktails & Caregivers, which exist to help families like theirs weather this storm. Her gratitude is a light in the darkness, showing us all just how much it means when we stand by those in need.

The Power of Your Support

We invite you to join us in supporting caregivers like Dave and Maria, who pour their hearts into caring for their loved ones. Your contributions to Cocktails & Caregivers make a tangible difference in their lives. Together, we can help ease the burdens, provide support, and help families like the Quatses focus on what truly matters: love, connection, and the strength to keep fighting.

Join us in supporting our mission at cocktailsandcaregivers.org/donate. Every little bit counts. Let’s make a difference together!