Help us raise money

On July 14, nine days after my 29th birthday and eight days after a radical hysterectomy due to a large, suspicious mass on my right ovary and initial diagnosis of borderline ovarian tumor, I received my membership to the club that no one wants to be invited to... the cancer club. 

I was diagnosed with Stage 1C3 Clear Cell Ovarian Cancer. I'm beyond thankful that it was caught early. I was already on an every 6-month transvaginal ultrasound due to polycystic ovaries and fibroids. In May, the scan looked completely different from the last which prompted MRIs, tumor marker labs and ultimately removal of the mass (which led to total hysterectomy). First Chemo treatment on July 24 (didn't go well), but will have a new chemo plan soon.

Those who know me know that my passion is supporting people and "causes" (of all kinds),.. social justice, anti-racism, women's rights, immigrant rights, civil rights, health equity, and the list goes on. My newest "cause" is the fight for Ovarian Cancer patients, survivors and future patients. 

Since being diagnosed with cancer, feelings of losing control are hard and the only way I know how to gain some control back is to help others. I hope you will join me by either donating and/or walking to help raise awareness for & funding for Ovarian Cancer. 

Some Ovarian Cancer Facts: 

- There is NO screening or early detection test for ovarian cancer. Can only diagnose through biopsy. 

-(No surprise) New study points to persistent racial disparities in ovarian cancer care (Duke University, Tomi F. Akinyemiju, PhD)

- Only 90% of women do not know the four main symptoms of ovarian cancer (which many women have at various points throughout their life)? Persistent bloating, stomach pain, difficulty eating/feeling full, frequent peeing. 

- 95% of women would survive their cancer for five years or more if they are diagnosed at stage 1

- Ovarian cancer ranks 5th in the cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. 

- Ovarian cancer risk is about 1 in 78 women. One of the best ways to evaluate risk is know your personal family history. 20-25% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer have a family history of disease.

- Gynecologic cancers are significantly underfunded compared to other cancers. 

- approximately 7 out of 10 cases are diagnosed at stage 3 or 4 (late stage). THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.