Brett Favre's Wife Deanna Favre Survived Cancer and Is Co-founder of Their Charity Fund

Legendary football quarterback Brett Favre's wife, Deanna, is a cancer survivor and determined to help other women overcome the disease that nearly claimed her life.

Brett Favre's wife, Deanna Favre, has lived through a challenge that, unfortunately, many people around the world face every year. Deanna had breast cancer and won the battle with the love and support of her husband and family.

Grateful for Deanna's survival, the Favres have taken it one step further and created a charity to help people fighting cancer and disadvantaged children.

Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre is an icon, and by his side, at every step of his incredible career, is his wife, Deanna. She was born on December 29, 1968, and attended Hancock North Central High School in Kiln, Mississippi, with Brett.

The two married in 1996, sharing two children, and everything seemed perfect. But life has thrown Deanna some curveballs. In December 2003, her father-in-law passed away, and a few months later, her brother, Casey Tynes, died in a car crash on their Mississippi property.

After she and Brett went public with her struggle against breast cancer, Deanna started receiving thousands of letters from women who had the same experience.

Bad luck knocked a third time when Deanna was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after her brother's death. Already dealing with so much grief, she girded herself for the biggest fight of her life, for her life.

Deanna Favre Survived Breast Cancer

Deanna had found a lump in her breast. After a mammogram and an ultrasound, her doctor ordered a biopsy. She later admitted that she was numb, never expecting her diagnosis. She said:

"I told myself not to worry. I had no family history of breast cancer. I was 35 and in excellent health. (...) I was still grieving my brother's death. And this cancer scare just seemed like too much to take in."

The biopsy revealed that Deanna had breast cancer. They proposed excising the tumor through a lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation.

Deanna was devastated when she woke up one morning to find her beautiful black hair on her pillow. Heartbroken, she asked her hairdresser to shave off her hair—but she was in for a surprise.

Deanna Favre's Family Supported Her during Her Illness

Deeana was not alone; her family supported her every step of the way. In fact, her two daughters cut their hair short in solidarity, and Brett shaved off his hair. She shared:

"Brittany and Breleigh cut their hair off to show support. Brett got into the act too. The night he came home with his hair totally shaved, I was overcome. Cancer can make you feel so alone. Love and support are the only antidotes."

After she and Brett went public with her struggle against breast cancer, Deanna started receiving thousands of letters from women who had the same experience. Knowing she was not alone inspired Deanna to reach out and empower other women.

Deanna and Brett Favre Are High School Sweethearts

The man who shaved off his hair for Deanna had fallen in love with her in high school. Deanna had been as sports-mad as Brett, and the two often played basketball together. They were just friends until Brett asked her out. Deanna revealed:

"I loved him, even if he wasn't the most romantic guy. On the way to our senior prom, he drove off with his wallet on the top of his car so he couldn’t even pay for our dinner."

On another occasion, when they were both in college at Southern Mississippi, Deanna and Brett had a falling out, and she didn't speak to him for a month. To her astonishment, he wooed her with a series of plastic roses.

They Co-founded Favre 4 Hope Foundation

Like Clea Shearer of "The Home Edit," Deanna was declared cancer-free. However, the illness significantly changed her life and her family's. She admitted she and her husband would never take anything for granted again, not each other or their many blessings.

Deanna was inspired to write a book, "Don't Bet Against Me!: Beating the Odds Against Breast Cancer," in which she shared her story and insights. But cancer had made Deanna want to do more, so she and Brett created the Favre 4 Hope Foundation.

The non-profit organization raises money to help raise awareness about breast cancer because the earlier the diagnosis, the better the odds. The foundation also helps women who can't afford treatment and supports children in need.

Deanna and Brett Are Not Only Parents of Two Girls, but Also Grandparents

Deanna and Brett share two daughters, Brittany Favre-Mallion, born in 1989, and Breleigh Favre, born in 1999. Their oldest daughter, Brittany, went to college and graduated from Loyola Law School in 2015. She explained:

"I've wanted to be a lawyer since I was a kid. I looked at successful lawyers the same way aspiring athletes look at my dad."

Brittany is happily married and the proud mom of two beautiful boys, studiying law while raising her family. Thanks to her, Brett became the first active NFL player to become a grandfather.

Breleigh Favre, the baby of the family, has followed in her dad's footsteps and plays college volleyball. She initially enrolled in Southern Mississippi, her parent's alma mater, where she racked up 36 career victories.

Breleigh did it all while earning a C-USA Commissioner's Academic Medal for her 3.5+ GPA. She announced in August 2022 that she would transfer to Louisiana State University to take on new challenges.