For David and Stacey Berdugo, family life in Parkland is filled with laughter, sarcasm, busy schedules and, above all, plenty of love.
The couple moved to Parkland in 2022 with daughters Madison, 9, and Maya, 6, not quite knowing what to expect. They quickly discovered a community that welcomed them with open arms.
“We are very appreciative of all the friends who have become family,” Stacey says.
Madison, a fourth grader at Heron Heights Elementary, and Maya, a first grader, both name math as their favorite subject. Outside the classroom, their schedules stay full with dance, flag football and soccer. Completing the family is King Alfred, their Lapponian Herder, a rare breed originating in Finland.
David is a CPA who, when he has some free time, enjoys golfing, birdwatching — particularly hawks — and cheering on the Miami Hurricanes football team.
Stacey, a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker, enjoys great coffee, trying new restaurants, playing Mahjong and spending time with friends and family. This year, however, she has also found an important new purpose.
After being diagnosed with breast cancer in September, Stacey hopes to become more involved with breast cancer nonprofits and volunteer efforts.
Her diagnosis came after years of follow-up imaging in which findings had repeatedly been described as “probably benign.” In August 2026, new imaging showed significant changes, and a biopsy confirmed both ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive breast cancer.
Stacey has since chronicled her experience in a deeply personal online journal, hoping her story will encourage other women to take an active role in their own breast health. Her journal can be found at staceyberdugo.substack.com.
Her message during Breast Cancer Awareness Month is simple but powerful: know your body and your family history, keep recommended follow-up appointments, ask questions and advocate for yourself.
Through an extraordinarily difficult chapter, Stacey says the love of David, Madison and Maya — along with their extended circle of friends and family — has helped carry her forward.
At home, the Berdugos treasure the simple things: family pool days, movie nights and making one another laugh.
“We joke around a lot, we are sarcastic, and we are extremely loving,” Stacey says. “We are the type of family that steps up to the plate when any of our friends or family needs anything. We love, and we love hard.”
And perhaps that says everything anyone needs to know about the Berdugo family.
