Rachael Ray surprises Bay Area superfan

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- It's been about two and a half weeks since "The Rachael Ray Show" debuted on ABC7. And on Wednesday's show, we get to see her surprise one of her biggest fans from the Bay Area!

You may remember last month, when Rachael came to visit the ABC7 News studio. She talked about the new season of her show with anchors Eric Thomas and Cheryl Jennings, and also answered questions from Bay Area viewers. She even introduced us to that day's Perfect Pet!

But what you didn't see that day was a very special, behind-the-scenes moment.

Rachael teamed up with San Francisco Chef Ryan Scott to surprise one of her biggest fans.

Darlene is a busy Bay Area mom who relies on many of Rachael's famous "30-Minute Meals" to feed her kids.

In 2003, her boyfriend was diagnosed with oral cancer. A year later, he passed away. Darlene says watching Rachael on TV helped her stay positive.

"And I'd say oh my gosh, Rachael's just so lively, how does she come onto the show and just stay so bubbly? If only I can be like her. She's just been an inspiration."

Darlene says Rachael also inspired her to help raise thousands of dollars for cancer research after her boyfriend's death.

This Bay Area superfan will be on "The Rachael Ray Show" Wednesday, as Rachael recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness month.

You can watch it on ABC7 at 3 p.m.