'She's given us so much:' Community supports Durham taproom owner's battle with breast cancer

Imagine battling breast cancer while juggling a major career change and chasing a lifelong dream.

That's exactly what former microbiologist Christa Donofrio did when she left a microbiology lab job in order to start her craft beer business.

Discovering she had cancer inspired Donofrio to change careers and get training and certification to pursue opening a craft beer business.

"Because I realized how short life was and I wanted to do something I was passionate about," said Donofrio.

Owner of "Beer Tooth Taproom" in Durham, she says she couldn’t have done it without the support of her wife, her staff and many patrons of her business.

It was in 2014 when Donofiro learned about her first bout with breast cancer. On top of treatments, there was a list of medications.

Once the business opened, Donofrio’s wife Christine LaMountain was concerned, saying, "With the business plus COVID and everything else going on, it was almost too much."

That’s when the staff picked up the slack to allow their boss to get cancer fighting treatments.

"Our manager Stefan stepped up and picked up extra hours as well," LaMountain said.

Tap-room regulars also offered moral support.

"We liked her so much as a bartender that we said, we’re going to support you," said Dominic Abbenante, a regular at Beer Tooth Taproom.

Eventually, Donfrio’s tumor disappeared. However, in August of last year, she felt a lump – a new, separate tumor to fight.

"And I was ready for battle," said Donofrio, who earned a second breast cancer win. "So low and behold, I am now a survivor of two different types of breast cancer."

More than a survivor, she's a hero to her wife, staff and friends for facing down two major health threats.

"Life is not so tough when you’ve got someone there to support you and we feel like we can also give that back to Christine too; she’s given so much to us," said Abbenante.

Donofrio’s advice is to follow recommended breast cancer screenings, as well as doing self breast exams in order to detect breast cancer in it’s earliest and most treatable stages.