Deanna Favre, the longtime wife of NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre, currently serves as an advocate for breast cancer awareness, an author, and a philanthropist.
She quietly built a life defined by public service and is the CEO of the Deanna Favre HOPE Foundation, an organization she established to promote breast cancer awareness, fund imaging and treatment for underinsured women, and support early detection programs.
After eight years of her marriage to Brett, her public profile changed radically, as in 2004, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to go through a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Thankfully, by 2005, just about a year after her diagnosis, Deanna Favre recovered from the cancer.
From Being a Cancer Patient to Saving Cancer Patients
By mid-2005, when she was already declared cancer-free, she launched the HOPE Foundation.
Deanna Favre even published her memoir, Don’t Bet Against Mel, in 2008, a book that covers her cancer journey, struggles, and public challenges, and how she overcame all of the hardships to win against the cancer.
Even when Brett was playing in one of the toughest leagues and had to give his 100% mentally and physically, Deanna said he called her every 30 seconds while awaiting medical news, highlighting his deep concern.
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord,” Brett even used a Biblical Verse to show her support and relationship with his wife.
The Couple now enjoys their time taking care of their three grandchildren, doing charity work, attending events around various organizations and schools, going on vacations, and attending NFL events.
While Deanne is not active on Social Media platforms like her husband or daughter, she often accompanies her husband everywhere he travels for events, charities, or holidays.
They have known each other since 1984, when they were just 14, taking their relationship to almost 40 years.
Today, Deanna has been a pillar of support to Brett, who is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, as confirmed by him last year during the Congressional hearing.
The NFL legend is also undergoing experimental treatment for the disease using ibogaine therapy, as it has no known cure to date.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Deanna and Brett officially married in 1996, and have two daughters together: Brittany Favre and Breleigh.
- Brett has had a 20-year career in the NFL after debuting in 1991. He played for four teams in his career: Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, and Minnesota Vikings.
- He became the Super Bowl Champion in 1997, and was the first player to win the MVP three years in a row: 1995, 1996, and 1997.
